28th Annual Diocesan Celebration of Catholics with Disabilities Honors 2026 Open Arms Award Recipients
TOLEDO, Ohio — The Diocese of Toledo gathered on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Toledo for the 28th Annual Diocesan Celebration of Catholics with Disabilities, a joyful evening of prayer, gratitude, and recognition of those whose witness reflects the inclusive love of Christ.
Held within the Saturday Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the celebration welcomed individuals and families from across northwest Ohio. American Sign Language interpretation was provided, ensuring broad participation in the liturgy and festivities.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, principal celebrant of the Mass, presented the 2026 Open Arms Awards, honoring individuals and communities who exemplify service, advocacy, and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
In a social media post following the celebration, Bishop Thomas reflected on the significance of the event:
"These inspiring recipients are active in their parishes and communities ministering to others despite their personal challenges or advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the Church and community."
The bishop extended "hearty congratulations" to this year's honorees: Jim Nissen, Melissa Kelbley, Annee Smith, and Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS, on behalf of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Since 1999, through the generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal in partnership with Accessibility Ministries, the Diocese of Toledo has recognized people with disabilities and advocates whose dedication enriches parish life and strengthens their communities. The annual Open Arms Awards celebrate individuals who are "much more than Sunday Catholics"—those who actively minister to others despite personal challenges or advocate for the full participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church and society.
Among this year's recipients was Melissa Kelbley, a parishioner of St. Mary Parish in Tiffin and Media Assistant at St. Wendelin Parish in Fostoria. Known for her technical expertise and exceptional competence with computers and research, Melissa relies on her voice and eye movement to navigate daily life and work. She has shared her gifts well beyond parish life, consulting with the City of Fostoria on the design of an accessible community park and serving on the alumni board of Calvert Catholic Schools, from which she graduated in 2008. Those who know Melissa describe her as patient, insightful, and generous in offering guidance to others.
The diocese also recognized Jim Nissen, whose decades of faithful service have touched countless lives. Jim served for 29 years as leader and director of the Joy People group, which provided retreats and social opportunities for approximately 50 individuals, many of whom had disabilities. Founded in 1983, the group continued its ministry until 2022. Jim has additionally volunteered in prison ministry in Milan, Michigan, while serving as a loving caregiver to his wife, Rachel. A lifelong Catholic, member of the Knights of Columbus, and devoted parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Jim's steadfast commitment to others has been an enduring gift to the Church.
Annee Smith was honored for her joyful and generous spirit of service at St. Mary's Parish in Sandusky and throughout her community. Annee assists with parish events such as Lenten Soup and Bread, has spoken at a Right to Life Brunch, and faithfully distributes bulletins following the parish's Saturday evening Mass. A 2009 graduate of Perkins High School, she received the Parkview Community Senior Center's Spirit Award in 2017 in recognition of her volunteer work. Whether as a devoted godmother to her nephew or as a welcoming presence in parish life, Annee exemplifies Christian discipleship through her willingness to serve others.
The final Open Arms Award was presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, accepted by Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS, in recognition of the parish's longstanding commitment to accessibility and hospitality. Established in 1927, the parish has served the Toledo community for nearly a century. Guided by the pastoral leadership of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the parish has intentionally fostered an environment where all people can participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church. Following the dedication of its new church building in 2017, Our Lady of Lourdes incorporated fully accessible entrances, parking areas, worship spaces, and restrooms, further strengthening its mission of welcome and inclusion.
Bishop Thomas also expressed gratitude to those who made the celebration possible, writing, "So grateful to Deacon Mark Genovesi and the parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes for their hospitality and for the reception following Mass, and to our Diocesan Department for Discipleship and Family Life and Accessibility Ministries for coordinating such an edifying event."
The annual celebration serves as a reminder that every member of the Body of Christ has unique gifts to share. Through their faith, perseverance, and service, the Open Arms Award recipients offer powerful testimony to the truth that the Church is strongest when all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in its mission.
As the Diocese of Toledo continues this tradition of recognition and advocacy, the witness of the 2026 honorees stands as an invitation to every parish community to build a culture of encounter—one marked by compassion, accessibility, and open arms.
This event was made possible by your generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal. Learn more at ACAtoledo.org.
Posted June 9, 2026 at 1:05 pm