Cognitive disabilities and the sacraments

[djrakowski]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for answering my previous question about special diets and the eucharist.

I have an additional question about the sacramental system as it relates to one of my children who has a severe cognitive disability. It is unclear whether my son understands, or will develop the ability to understand, much of what is taught to him. He learns best when direct, one-to-one instruction is used.

One of our local parishes runs a special-needs catechism class, but I need to have an important question answered before I make the leap to enrolling him in it. How does one determine that the lessons of catechism have “taken,” especially in the case of someone who lacks the ability to speak? What determines his eligibility (for lack of a better word) to receive the sacraments?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[asquared]

al children must be brought to the sacraments. Meet with the priest and DRE to discuss your child’s individual needs and situation. Remember that intellecual knowledge and assent is not the goal, union with Jesus Christ is the goal, which is brought about through the individual’s cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit who acts in the sacraments. In persons who are cognitively impaired, the Holy Spirit works directly, beyond the intellect, to bring about this union. He should be baptized of course, and confirmed at the usual age, with whatever preparation is within his abilities. If his physical health is compromised and he has a condition that may shorten his life, he should be confirmed immediately, especially if he becomes ill. A profoundly disabled infant should be confirmed at the time of baptism.

As far as receiving holy communion all that is necessary is that he is able to understand the special nature of the host, to express a desire to receive Jesus, and to physically be able to swallow the host and/or the precious blood properly and reverently. Memorizing prayers and doctrine is not the primary pre-requisite for first communion and confirmation. Desire to receive Jesus and cooperate with the Holy Spirit is the proper disposition. You judge his readiness according to his circumstances and abilities, not by comparing him to other children. He will surprise you.

At my home parish in Ohio we have a wonderful boy named Danny, foster child of a family with 4 older boys of their own. He is our own resident saint. Born with only a rudimentary brain and brainstem, given up by his birth mother to a home for the profoundly disable, he was not expected to live past the age of two, or ever to be more than a vegetable. Today he has graduated from his special education class, walks, plays basketball, rides and cares for horses, and works in a sheltered setting. He “sings” all the songs and responses at Mass, is attentive and reverent, loves especially Christmas carols, and sings “Glooooooria in excelsis deo” at every opportunity. He attended CCD with an aide assisting, received holy communion with his class (at the age of 10, when he was still using a walker) and confirmed in 8th grade with the rest of the class, because of is short life expectancey.

He is an inspiration to everyone who knows him, our parish considers him our secret treasure. and his foster family a remarkable witness to all families. Thought his speech is very limited, there is absolutely no doubt in the mind of anyone who sees him receiving communion that he knows and loves Jesus in the Eucharist. I have stories of at least 2 people in RCIA who were led there by his example.

 

[djrakowski]

Thank you, asquared, for that explanation. What I’m wondering is this: if we have no way of knowing whether my son is comprehending what’s being taught, because he has no means of outward communication (aside from requesting objects by exchanging picture cards), then what?

I don’t think he’ll be able to comprehend the special nature of the host any time soon, and since he’s severely intolerant of both alcohol and gluten, that probably won’t be an issue. I’ve been told that there’s provision for receiving “spiritual communion,” but that’s a topic for another thread

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[buffalo]

Trust in God to take care of his soul. The soul is what is most important to God. Our suffering and physical disabilities can strengthen our souls. Look past the body and into the soul.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I do not really think this is an issue as in the Byzantine Church we chrismated (confirm) and commune infants.

 

[Jermosh]

Just becuase someone is not compacitated to say that they understand what communionis, does not mean they should not recieve. It is a Grace, and they should not be denied it.

But talk to your Pastor, or even a couple to find the rigth one who feels comfrontable with it.

But you will be the one responcible for your childs soul. They might never be able to recieve Confrimation, therefore your obligation of there commitment of Baptism is still binding to you, such as a infant or child is.

God bless and I will keep you in my offerings.

 

[Stephen-Maguire]

djrakowski:

Hi everyone,

Thank you for answering my previous question about special diets and the eucharist.

I have an additional question about the sacramental system as it relates to one of my children who has a severe cognitive disability. It is unclear whether my son understands, or will develop the ability to understand, much of what is taught to him. He learns best when direct, one-to-one instruction is used.

One of our local parishes runs a special-needs catechism class, but I need to have an important question answered before I make the leap to enrolling him in it. How does one determine that the lessons of catechism have “taken,” especially in the case of someone who lacks the ability to speak? What determines his eligibility (for lack of a better word) to receive the sacraments?

Thanks,
Dan

The same as a newborn to Baptism.

 

[Catholic2003]

From the U.S. Bishops: Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities:

It is essential that all forms of the liturgy be completely accessible to persons with disabilities, since these forms are the essence of the spiritual tie that binds the Christian community together. To exclude members of the parish from these celebrations of the life of the Church, even by passive omission, is to deny the reality of that community. Accessibility involves far more than physical alterations to parish buildings. Realistic provision must be made for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the eucharist and other liturgical celebrations such as the sacraments of reconciliation, confirmation, and anointing of the sick (Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, November 1978; revised 1989).

and

It is important to note, however, that the criterion for reception of holy communion is the same for persons with developmental and mental disabilities as for all persons, namely, that the person be able to distinguish the Body of Christ from ordinary food, even if this recognition is evidenced through manner, gesture, or reverential silence rather than verbally. Pastors are encouraged to consult with parents, those who take the place of parents, diocesan personnel involved with disability issues, psychologists, religious educators, and other experts in making their judgment. If it is determined that a parishioner who is disabled is not ready to receive the sacrament, great care is to be taken in explaining the reasons for this decision. Cases of doubt should be resolved in favor of the right of the baptized person to receive the sacrament. The existence of a disability is not considered in and of itself as disqualifying a person from receiving the eucharist.

 

[djrakowski]

Catholic2003:

From the U.S. Bishops: Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities

Thank you, and everyone else, for answering my question. Sometimes I just need a pointer to Catholic teachings, since I’m just starting on this road of investigation and often don’t know where to look.

I’m encouraged by what I’ve read here. It is a far more profound expression of grace than my current church is willing to give (or allow). I will start looking for a parish and talk to the priest about my son, and take it from there.

Dan