# Event Details

- **Event Name**: FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 08 Oct, 2026 at 05:30 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: What happens when we say YES?

Join the FIRE Foundation of New Hampshire for Ignite the Mission: An Evening Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education & Community, a special evening of inspiring stories, meaningful connections, dinner, conversation, and a celebration of what is possible when we build communities where every person can participate, contribute, and belong.

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.

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 the 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.

Featured keynote speaker: Mark Bradford

The evening will feature Mark Bradford, editor of Indispensable: A Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a Fellow of the Word on Fire Institute.

Bradford, whose son Thomas has Down syndrome, invites us to recognize the dignity, gifts, and indispensable place of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the life of the Church.

Your hosts

We're also looking forward to an evening with our hosts:

Deacon Geoff Ashman
St. Lawrence Parish

Christopher Duffley
Disability advocate and co-founder of the FIRE Foundation of New Hampshire

And yes, we're expecting some laughter along the way!

Panel discussion

A panel discussion will bring together personal and professional perspectives on inclusion, including:

• Tanya Paiva, Principal, St. Benedict Academy
• Kathy Prieto, parent and founder of PS 139 Wonderfully Made Ministries
• Dr. Kelly Dunn, Schoolhouse Services
• Plus additional special guests

Evening schedule

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

6:30 PM | Buffet Dinner & Program
Stories of inclusion, dinner, keynote presentation featuring Mark Bradford, and panel discussion.

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

Throughout the evening, there will also be opportunities for resources, networking, fellowship, and meaningful connections with families, educators, parish leaders, ministries, and others who share a commitment to inclusion.

Who should attend?

Everyone who wants to help build communities of belonging is welcome.

We especially invite families, educators, school leaders, parishioners, clergy, ministry leaders, disability advocates, community partners, FIRE supporters, and anyone interested in inclusive Catholic education and community.

Whether you already have experience with inclusion or simply want to learn more about how you or your community can say "yes," there is a place for you at the table.

This is about more than one evening

Ignite the Mission isn't really about one evening.

It's about what happens next.

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

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

I belong.

Registration & details

Admission: FREE
Dinner: Buffet dinner included
Donations: Gratefully accepted
Attire: Business casual
Parking: Complimentary onsite parking
Registration deadline: September 27, 2026

Advance registration is requested.

Questions?
Christine Duffley, Director, FIRE New Hampshire
christine@firenh.org
603-234-1060 (call or text)

Every Person, Every Gift Belongs.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/bedford/fire-nh-ignite-the-mission-celebrating-inclusive-catholic-education/200030664925119
- **Event Categories**: Business, Meetups
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Bedford
- **state**: NH
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House
- **lat**: 42.918294401395
- **long**: -71.545049040232
- **full address**: Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House, 399 RT-101, Bedford, NH 03110-5028, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/6afc9e9fe5d1578da8672a894b9c8b3dac2f732dec15ab7a4e6c8fa50bb5c001-rimg-w1200-h800-dc081838-gmir?v=1788660318

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education being held?
  - **A:** FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education takes place on Thu, 08 Oct, 2026 at 05:30 pm to Thu, 08 Oct, 2026 at 05:30 pm at Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House, 399 RT-101, Bedford, NH 03110-5028, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education?
  - **A:** FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education is organized by Fire Foundation of New Hampshire.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education is ideal for party-goers, social butterflies, and anyone looking for a great night out with music, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Bedford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If FIRE NH - Ignite the Mission: Celebrating Inclusive Catholic Education sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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