Come celebrate the growing movement of Inclusive Catholic Education & Community with inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and keynote speaker Mark Bradford, editor of Indispensable, a Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Event Details

Murphy's Taproom and Carriage House, Bedford, NH

5:30 PM — Welcome Reception
Meet & greet, cash bar, resource tables and community connections

6:30 PM — Dinner & Program
Stories of inclusion, dinner and keynote presentation featuring Mark Bradford, editor of Indispensable

Closing — Ignite the Mission
A special sending forth as we carry the mission of belonging into our schools, parishes and communities

Attire: Business casual
Parking: Complimentary onsite parking

October 8, 2026 | 5:30 –9 PM Buffet Dinner
Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House | Bedford, NH

Register HERE

What Happens When We Say YES?

Every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, participate, and belong in a community that recognizes their God-given gifts.

For Catholics, that belonging begins at Baptism. It continues through parish life, faith formation, Catholic education, the sacraments, ministry, and adulthood. Our call to welcome and accompany persons with disabilities doesn't end at the classroom door or at graduation—it is part of building a Church where every person has a place and every gift matters.

Ignite the Mission is an evening celebrating the growing movement of Inclusive Catholic Education & Community in New Hampshire, and the students, families, educators, parish leaders, ministries, and supporters who make it possible.

It Often Begins With a YES

For families of children with disabilities and diverse learning needs, finding communities where their children can fully belong isn't always easy. Catholic schools and parishes may deeply desire to welcome them but sometimes need additional resources, knowledge, confidence, and support to turn that desire into reality.

That's where FIRE Foundation of New Hampshire began its work.

FIRE partners with Catholic schools to help build the resources, expertise, and capacity needed to welcome and support more learners. Today, something exciting is happening beyond the classroom as well: new conversations, partnerships, and ministries are emerging to support inclusion throughout the life of the Church.

Because when we welcome one person, the entire community is changed. Classmates grow. Teachers discover new possibilities. Families find community. Parishioners encounter one another's gifts. Most importantly, persons with disabilities have opportunities not simply to be served, but to participate, contribute, and share their gifts with the Church.

Come Celebrate What's Possible

On October 8, we'll gather at Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House with a reception before dinner and an evening with our Hosts, Deacon Geoff Ashman and Christopher Duffley (It's gonna bring on the laughter!). Get ready for inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and a celebration of what's possible when Catholic schools, parishes, families, and community partners come together.

The evening will feature Mark Bradford, editor of Indispensable and a Fellow of the Word on Fire Institute, whose message invites us to recognize the dignity, gifts, and indispensable place of every person. A panel discussion will follow, including Mrs. Tanya Paiva, Principal, St. Benedict Academy, Mrs. Kathy Prieto, parent and founder of PS 139 Wonderfully Made Ministries, Dr. Kelly Dunn, Schoolhouse Services and a several other special guests.

But Ignite the Mission isn't really about one evening.

Truly it's about what happens next.

We invite you to consider adding your gifts and talents to help make inclusion a reality. Whether you attend, volunteer, sponsor, pray, share our story, or make a gift, there is a place for you in the mission of the FIRE Foundation.

Register HERE

Together, let's build a Catholic community where every person can say: I belong.

Every Person, Every Gift Belongs