Nonverbal Autism and the possibility of being Ordained

[JS_Cortez]

The one who would make the judgment about a candidate would likely be the vocations director who would meet in person with the candidate and observe, discuss, ask questions, gather other information as needed. It is not something where we can make a blanket pronouncement about.

Well, of course. That’s the case for any person of any circumstance. The vocation’s director of the diocese or religious congregation/order would be the one to make a determination on a candidate.

However, this discussion (at least my question) was about would the nonverbal aspect of someone with nonverbal autism be an impediment to ordination (either to the priesthood or as a deacon). Would the vocation even be open to such a person, assuming other aspects of their autism (and/or other disorders hidden in/coupled alongside it) didn’t impede them compared to their neurologically typical peers.

It seems that the answer is yes, since a sign language Mass exists, even though I couldn’t find anything that had official rubrics for one. Maybe they aren’t posted online.

 

[Cloisters]

Talk to this community:

http://www.dominicanmissionaries.org/

 

[TheLittleLady]

The deaf priest I know can speak (his speech is very similar in tone to deaf actress Marlee Matlin) so the prayers in the Liturgy of the Eucharist are spoken.

 

[Joe_5859]

It seems like your fundamental question is whether or not a priest must verbally speak the words of consecration in order for Mass to be valid.

I think that’s a good sacramental theology question, and one I’m not sure I know the answer to. The words of consecration are necessary, so I’m not sure that a speaking device or sign language would be able to be used as a substitute. I’d be inclined to think it’s not possible, but I can’t say I know for sure.

 

[JS_Cortez]

It seems like your fundamental question is whether or not a priest must verbally speak the words of consecration in order for Mass to be valid.

That is the fundamental question. I watched the video that HomeschoolDad found and posted of the Sign Language Mass to see if the celebrating priest was also speaking. Sometimes his lips moved but it didn’t look like he was speaking along with his signing.

But I’m not 100% sure.