BRIDGES TO FAITH

Bridges to Faith is a collaborative ministry of the Inter-Church Council's Parish Ministries Committee.

The mission of Bridges to Faith is to act as a resource to local congregations in a ministry of welcoming individuals with developmental disabilities. The Council is one of many organizations including the Department of Mental Retardation, provider agencies and various congregations throughout the New Bedford area, who come together to conduct this ministry.

The Bridges to Faith Committee, which meets once a month, receives from various sources the names of individuals with developmental disabilities who have expressed an interest in worshipping and taking part in congregational life. The Committee then works with congregations to help them develop this special ministry.

We do this in two ways:

1.) A team can come to your church and tell you about this opportunity, how it works, what you can expect.

2.) We seek the help of clergy and members to identify persons who may become "Faith Companions" for the individual making the request. A "Faith Companion" is someone who agrees to befriend the individual referred by "Bridges to Faith" and who will arrange for him/her to participate in the worship and social life of the congregation where appropriate.

This unique ministry was begun in 1995. At present, we have 15 individuals placed with congregations and a long waiting list. For the individuals we refer this ministry offers an opportunity not only for worship but also provides a sense of belonging, friendship and value not easily obtained for persons with developmental disabilities. For "Faith Companions" and congregations it offers an opportunity to take part in a genuine ministry of love which will deepen you own spiritual well being and service.

We invite you to invite us to come to your church and tell you about Bridges to Faith and to show you our video. We will be contacting congregations for whom we have requests from individuals. We also invite readers of the Council's newsletter Proclaim! to consider becoming "Faith Companions." We stand ready to help you do this.

More information about Bridges to Faith is available by contacting the Bridges To Faith Coordinator:

Denise Soares
Bridges to Faith
c/o Better Community Living, Inc.
384 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-999-4300, Ext. 62
Email: bridges_to_faith@bettercommunity.com