Supporting Individuals and Families living with Disabilities
The Disabilities Ministry supports individuals and families living with disabilities requiring special needs and/or accommodations. The ministry includes the Office of Deaf Services, which provides American Sign Language (ASL) services for the deaf.
Please contact our office to learn how to get involved and support our ministry by making a donation.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time
Office of Deaf Services
Interpreted Mass
The following parishes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta have regularly scheduled Interpreted Masses:
- Transfiguration Church, Marietta – Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
- Transfiguration also hosts 7 monthly social events on Saturday evenings. The 5:00 p.m. Mass on those Saturdays will be interpreted and the 9:30 a.m. Mass on the day after the social will not be interpreted. The schedule for the socials are available below.
- St. Joseph Church, Dalton – Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
- Our Lady of the Mountains Church, Jasper – First Saturday of the month at 4 p.m.
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Carrollton – The second and fourth Sundays of every month at 11 a.m.
Toni’s Camp Retreat
Toni’s Camp is a weekend retreat filled with spiritual, social and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.
This retreat welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 14, who possess basic self-care skills, enjoy group activities, and do not have severe behavior problems. This camp is NOT appropriate for campers who would become very agitated and/or aggressive in an overstimulating environment. While Catholic in nature, the retreat is open to persons of all faiths.
Campers, adult and teen volunteers must pre-register. All campers must provide a physician’s recommendation to attend camp.
Parish Programs
Adapted religious education is available in most parishes. Please contact your church religious education director for more information.
Programs are available at the following parishes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta:
- St. Brendan Church, Cumming: Disabilities Ministry
- St. Brigid Church, Johns Creek: LTE Special Needs Youth Group
- St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Kennesaw: Disabilities Ministry
- Christ Our King and Savior Church, Greensboro: Fun Night with Disabilities Ministry
- St. John Neumann Church, Lilburn: Special Needs Ministry
- St. John Paul II Mission, Gainesville
- St. John Vianney Church, Lithia Springs: Special Needs Support at SJV
- St. Joseph Church, Marietta: Disability Ministry Fun Night
- St. Peter Chanel Church, Roswell: Special Needs Faith Formation
Faith & Light Communities
Faith & Light communities are made up of persons with a developmental disability and their families and friends. This group meet regularly in a Christian spirit to share friendship, pray together, fiesta and celebrate life.
St. Ann Church and Transfiguration Church, both in Marietta, have active Faith & Light communities.
For more information, visit faithandlight.org.
Georgia State Benefits
- Birth through age 3: Georgia Department of Health Babies Can’t Wait
- Ages 3 through 18: contact your school or social worker for assistance
- Ages 18 and older: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
National Catholic Resources
Crisis Help
For immediate crisis help, call or text 988. Visit the Crisis System of Georgia website for additional resources.
For other social service references, please contact the Disabilities Ministry.
Mental Health
End of Life
For support regarding end of life, visit the Respect Life Ministry webpage for information.
End of Life Issues