History:
Since 1999, the Diocese of Toledo has recognized people with disabilities and/or advocates who minister to their parishes and communities in outstanding ways. These include people with a wide range of disabilities. The individuals honored yearly with an Open Arms Award are much more than Sunday Catholics. They are active in their parishes and communities, ministering to others despite their personal challenges or advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church and community.
Nominees must be practicing Catholics, living with a significant disability, which can be a physical, emotional, or developmental disability, vision or hearing impairment, chronic illness, paralysis, or mental illness who also goes above and beyond in modeling admirable Christian service to their family, parish, and community at large. Additionally, those who are a caregiver or advocate for persons with disabilities can also be nominated for their witness to the faith in how they care for and uphold the dignity of persons with disabilities through their role.
Open Arms Awards Nominations
The Diocesan celebration honoring persons with disabilities will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the 4:30 pm Vigil Mass, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Norwalk. Bishop Daniel Thomas, celebrant, will present the 2024 Open Arms Awards. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. All are welcome. We are seeking nominations for individuals who serve the church and community, living with a disability and/or a caregiver/advocate for a person(s) with a disability. Please see your parish for a Nomination form.
- Flyer (below)
- Nomination Form due April 5, 2024
- Online Nomination Form due April 5, 2024
