There is, it’s just left to the discretion of the priest. I am thinking I may and have to go and get the CIC after all. The commentary underneath the corresponding canon was lengthy and hence I did not type it out.
I agree. There was this case just a couple of months back where a kid (13 or 14) was denied Communion because of his mental disability. The Western praxis emphasizes on the recognition of the Eucharist for one to receive. In the East, its not important. God’s graces work on these people nonetheless. Why deny them the Sacraments?
In the CIC there is something about not giving Communion to someone unless they can comprehend the Eucharist. Like for children, it can be given to one younger than 7 if they are in danger of death and can tell the difference between regular food and the Eucharist.
That’s under the norms yes, but there are some extenuating circumstances, again it’s up to the priest or bishop. Now you got me interested in looking up the viaticum laws.
Despicable? as in “deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation”?
of course he can be baptized. If his mental capacity is that of an infant, he would probably be baptized as an infant (under age 7 or 8) and would never need confession. He may be confirmed at the same time but it is not required. Depending on his level of understanding and function he may be a candidate for first communion as well. Speak to the pastor about his individual situation. His brother could be his godparent.
I should explain myself here (and have gotten permission from the mods to do so)
The Catholic church teaches we should baptize our children as infants, they do not reason nor understand, so I cannot imagine it will be an issue. Good luck.In the case of the story that hit the news, the priest denied the teen who had a mental disability. Its sad. Why deny Christ to someone who obviously has no sin and incapable of doing sin. Truly Christ’s graces cannot be limited by one’s limitations.
I really believe that reasoning should not be an issue at all. Unless one’s condition make them likely to spit out what they are fed, then there’s no reason to withhold Communion. In the next life they will be perfected by God and will be united with Him in communion, so why deny that on earth?My son is five years old and has Down’s syndrome. He was baptized as an infant. I don’t think any priest would have any qualms about baptizing your son. My priest did say that my son may or may not be able to participate with receiving Communion as it will depend on his level of reasoning and understanding. My son attends Mass with me every week and I teach him how to make the sign of the cross. We pray for meals and he is very fervent…its quite sweet.
the case that made the news did not tell the entire story, there were complications (if we are talking about the same case, you have not provided a link) they did not cover the issue of his level of understanding, and the boy was autistic. And it was about communion, not baptism. The child has to be physically able to receive either the consecrated bread or wine, and have the basic understanding of who Jesus is, want to receive him and understand the difference between Eucharist and ordinary bread and wine. Every case has to be evaluated individually, and the situation can change. The autistic children in our program who have not received cannot do so physically, but they are confirmed at the proper age. Believe me even non-verbal children can communicate love of Christ and desire for him eloquently. There are no barriers whatever to baptism, and yes in the Eastern rites the child will be communicated (if it is physically possible) and chrismated at the same time.