Together as One Body - by Ana Beatriz Garcia Barraza (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Practical guidance for helping parishes foster the full participation of persons with disabilities.

In Together as One Body, Ana B. Barraza focuses on different aspects of parish life and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, providing practical guidance for parishes to be not only fully accessible but also to foster the full participation of every person.

Together as One Body outlines ways to promote transformation and spiritual growth for all, provides tips to improve the accessibility of the liturgy and the sacraments, and offers suggestions for new ways to encourage a community of love and belonging that is attentive to the gifts and needs of every parishioner. Drawing upon church documents, additional sources, and the rich pastoral experience of the author Together as One Body is an ideal resource for both parish planning and personal reflection on what it means to be One Body in Christ.

Review Quotes

"In sharing her personal experiences, the author provides opportunities to reflect upon the importance of accessibility for persons with disabilities throughout church life. In doing so, it's made clear that accessibility is the entry point that leads to full and meaningful participation. This book, along with the assessment tool included, is sure to enhance even a thriving faith community!"
Charleen Katra, Executive Director, National Catholic Partnership on Disability

-- (6/10/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Early in my career I encountered the reality of families that were eager to pass the faith to their children but they could not join the programs because of their children's disabilities. It took time and many conversations with experts for me to learn a way to be of service to these families too. Ana Barraza was one of those inspiring mentors that helped me open my ministry with new loving tools to welcome these families and their desire to grow in faith. Together as One Body is an incredible resource for any minister who is ready to activate all the disciples in their communities who, inspired by the love of Christ in the Eucharist, are ready to serve the church."
Katherine Angulo, program director, Thriving in Ministry Initiatives, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame

-- (4/8/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Ana Barraza's Together as One Body reaffirms Sacrosanctum Concilium's #14: The church wishes 'that all the faithful should be led to take that full, conscious, and active part in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy, and to which the Christian people, "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people" (1 Pet 2:9, 4-5) have a right and to which they are bound by reason of their Baptism.' Catholics with disabilities, like all the baptized, have a right to the sacraments, a fundamental, constitutional right, that exists in virtue of their baptism into Christ's church."

Fr. Paul Zirimenya, pastor, St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf, San Francisco, California

-- (4/15/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"I have long admired Ana Barraza's approach to educating about disabilities, always focusing on the blessings, while still advocating for what is sadly lacking, especially in the church, for assuring accessibility to all people who want to know Jesus and learn more about the Catholic Church. As a mother of a daughter who is deaf, I have seen firsthand the struggle with parishes and dioceses, wanting to include all people but unsure how to meet various needs or adapt their programs and liturgies. Ana's new book is just what is needed to bridge that gap and bring the church closer to being truly universal."

Allison Gingras, director of digital evangelization, Family Rosary USA

-- (5/1/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"The Diocese of Sacramento has benefited from the heartfelt devotion, insight, and cheerful manner Ana Barraza has brought to her ministry. She offers help for clergy, religious, and laity, to discover the joys and fruitfulness of accompanying brothers and sisters living with disabilities. Her wise and gentle efforts have cultivated more inclusive parish communities of learning, service, and worship. Her book, Together as One Body will allow the seeds of her wisdom and faith to be planted in more communities, here in Northern California and beyond. Through God's grace may these continue to bear much good fruit."

Most Reverend Jaime Soto, bishop of Sacramento

-- (4/7/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Author Ana Barraza has given us a clear, nuts-and-bolts guide to a better parish life that fully includes persons with disabilities. Built upon strong scriptural and theological foundations, Together as One Body delivers the wisdom and passion of a veteran special educator and the parent of a child with special needs. The book is not just theological but deeply practical, including a parish assessment tool, and showing us how to create catechesis, liturgical celebrations, proclamation of the word, and other aspects of parish life so that both children and adults with disabilities participate and belong in a way equal to any other disciple of Christ."
Brett C. Hoover, professor of practical and pastoral theology, Loyola Marymount University-- (4/30/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Ana B. Barraza is the founder of Catholicus, a project that aims to facilitate the encounter between Jesus and persons with disabilities. As a special education teacher, master catechist, and speaker, she has developed workshops, retreats, and lessons for archdiocesan and parish ministries for over thirty years. Originally from Mexico, Ana currently resides in Sacramento, California, with her husband and three children where they serve together in ministry. Visit her website and social media at Catholicus.info.