What about our non-verbal disabled son if we become Catholics?

[djrakowski]

We are investigating the catholic faith, and have a question. Our son is non-verbal and developmentally disabled. We don’t know if he will ever talk, or if he would ever be able to understand a catechism class. What if we became catholic, and he was only able to be baptised. If he could not understand the catechism classes, then I am guessing he would never be able to take communion. Since catholics have to partake of all the sacraments, then what would happen to our son? What does the church say in this situation? Do they make execptions for the mentally disabled? How would we know our son would go to heaven, is there a rule for what happens to the innocent of mind? Would he ever be able to receive communion? Also he would not be able to go to confession either, since he can’t talk and we are certain he isn’t aware of what sin is, or if he does it.
Thank you in advance for you time. We are seriously considering converting from an evangelical christian church, and your help will be greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
The Rakowski’s

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Friends,

Baptism will make your son a part of Christ. He will be a full member of His Mystical Body. Should he be capable of a simple understanding of what the Eucharist is, he would be able to receive the Eucharist. If not, he is not capable of sinning and continually enjoys the Lord’s pleasure. In any case, the Church looks on him as a very special gift to your family. Such children tend to draw the other members of the family out of themselves with the result that they are less inclined to be self-absorbed.

Have no fear regarding his spiritual welfare. This will not be a problem for you when you join the Catholic Church. You and your family are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.