Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome back Patty Origer — Evangelization and Catechesis team member and Disability Coordinator for the Diocese of Des Moines — for a wide-ranging conversation on disability ministry, belonging, and the spiritual dignity of every person. Patty, who has served the diocese for over six and a half years, reflects on her personal calling to this work as the mother and longtime advocate of her son Jeremy, who has cerebral palsy. She shares highlights from her tenure, including: Parish Advocates Program – Twelve parishes now have designated advocates who serve as local points of contact for disability-related needs, connecting parishioners with resources and raising awareness. Sensory-Friendly Masses – Designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or anxiety-related disabilities, these Masses feature softer lighting, quieter music, and a more accommodating environment. A recent one at St. John's in Adel drew moving responses from attendees. Night to Shine – Two diocesan parishes, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and St. Mary's in Shenandoah, host this Tim Tebow Foundation-sponsored celebration for people with disabilities. Caregiver Support & Mental Health Ministry – Patty helped launch caregiver support groups and mental health ministry resources across the diocese. The ASK Resource Center (based in Johnston, Iowa) is a recommended resource for families navigating disability services, educational supports, and life transitions. Learn more at AskResourceCenter.org. Upcoming Webinar: Accompanying Aging Populations Hosted by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), this virtual summer intensive runs Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, noon–3 PM CT. Topics include spirituality and aging, caregiving, dementia support, end-of-life care, mental well-being, and ministry of consolation. A Spanish-language option is available later in June. Diocese of Des Moines affiliate discount code: 2026-AFFILIATE15 (15% off) Clergy discount code available — email Patty at DMDiocese.org for the code (60% off for clergy) Register and find the event link at DMDiocese.org under Events. https://www.ncpd.org/events/ncpd-summer-intensive-accompanying-aging-populations For more on disability ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit DMDiocese.org/disabilityministry Learn more about Iowa Catholic Radio at IowaCatholicRadio.com #DisabilityMinistry #CatholicChurch #BelongingNotJustInclusion #DiocesOfDesMoines #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #CatholicRadio #SensoryFriendlyMass #NightToShine #CatholicCaregiving #FaithAndDisability #IowaCatholic #CatholicCommunity #AgingWithFaith #NCPDWebinar #InclusiveChurch #CatholicFaith #IowaChurch Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulosSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
