Down syndrome Becoming catholic

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Amysuevatoo

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I am not Catholic but I want to be. My daughter has Down syndrome and is almost 18. She was brought up in Catholic schools but there was confusion and disagreement about how her faith formation would progress. The other day she told me again she wants to join the Catholic Church. I’ve done some research but I’m not finding much about how I can assist her. Any advice?
 
I would say talk to a local priest and arrange for you and your daughter to attend either RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults) or a similar programme for adults who want to join the church.

It shouldn’t be that difficult once you’ve made contact with a priest and started the process.
 
The next RCIA at our local parish doesn’t begin until October. I’ll discuss this again with our priest. I suppose there isn’t any hurry
 
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There might be a better or additional options for your daughter. Perhaps make your enquiries in advance.
 
So when I last discussed this with the head of faith formation they said I needed to teach her at home. However, I’m not Catholic, so don’t feel I can do that. If I go through RCIA could we do it together? As far as her relationship with God. She’s solid and she answers most questions better than any Catholic I know .
 
If you follow the link above you will find Diocese by Diocese contact numbers.

You may also call the Office of Religious Education at your Diocese.

There are adaptive Sacramental Prep kits (for those who are lower functioning) from Loyola that your Parish may purchase. They should already have a set of them, your daughter is not the first person with an intellectual disability to become Catholic and/or to receive her Sacraments.

Don’t let the DRE put you off, they may not understand all of responsibility that the parish has to prepare folks for Sacraments. If yours is a very small or rural parish, they may be new to inclusion. The Diocese and the NCPD will be your advocates.
 
Thanks. The pastor while she was at school was wonderful. Since then there have been two others but neither really embraced her as a member of the parish. Perhaps we’d be better at another parish? Are we allowed to go to any one?
 
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