Announcing the Archdiocesan Commission on Students with Special Needs in Catholic Education
We know every child is created in the image of God, possesses unique gifts, and deserves the opportunity to grow academically, spiritually and socially within a Catholic school community. So when the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education receives inquiries from families, clergy and school leaders seeking guidance on how to best support students with special needs in our Catholic schools, our desire to assist them grows.
With the support of Archbishop Bernard Hebda, we are proud to announce the establishment of the Archdiocesan Commission on Students with Special Needs in Catholic Education. Beginning this spring, this commission will develop practical recommendations to present to the Archbishop in Fall 2025 that will help our Catholic schools enhance their efforts to welcome and effectively support students with unique needs. The commission will be composed of volunteer members from a diverse set of stakeholders across the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, several priests to provide pastoral insight and support, and OMCE staff members.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, the commission will have four key subcommittees:
- Parent Support and Involvement
- Programmatic Needs
- Professional Development
- Cultivating School Leadership and Clergy Support
Archbishop Hebda and OMCE have long been committed to finding ways to serve all students with compassion and excellence, and we are so happy to begin working systematically and comprehensively to ensure that students, regardless of ability, are fully welcomed and supported in our Catholic schools.