Source: http://www.clsadb.com/document/480e6d7e-4c64-4733-8060-4b1010143a97
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 00:17:17+00:00

Document:
NCCB, Guidelines for Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, 15-17 June 1995.
“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).
The inconsistencies in pastoral practice often arise from distinct yet overlapping causes. Some result from a misunderstanding about the nature of disabilities. Others arise from an uncertainty about the appropriate application of Church law toward persons with disabilities. Others are born out of fear or misunderstanding. Still others are the result of a studied and honest acceptance of the realistic limitations of a parish’s or diocese’s available resources.
view, the guidelines draw upon the Church’s ritual books, its canonical tradition and its experience in ministering to or with persons with disabilities in order to dispel any misunderstandings which may impede sound pastoral practice in the celebration of the sacraments. It is our hope that the guidelines will complement diocesan policies already in existence.
The bishops of the United States offer the “Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities” in order to give a more concrete expression to our long-standing concern for “realistic provision” for the means of access to full sacramental participation for Catholic persons with disabilities. While they do not address every conceivable situation that may arise in pastoral practice, the guidelines present a set of general principles to provide access to the sacraments for persons with disabilities. Diocesan staff, pastoral leaders, catechists, parishioners, health care workers and all those who minister to or with Catholics with disabilities are invited and encouraged to reflect upon and accept these guidelines in their continuing effort to bring Christ’s healing message and call to justice to the world.
1. By reason of their baptism, all Catholics are equal in dignity in the sight of God and have the same divine calling.
3. Parish sacramental celebrations should be accessible to persons with disabilities and open to their full, active and conscious participation, according to their capacity. Pastoral ministers should not presume to know the needs of persons with disabilities, but rather they should consult with them or their advocates before making determinations about the accessibility of a parish’s facilities and the availability of its programs, policies and ministries. These adaptations are an ordinary part of the liturgical life of the parish. While full accessibility may not always be possible for every parish, it is desirable that at least one fully accessible community be available in a given area. Parishes may, in fact, decide to collaborate in the provision of services to persons with disabilities.
2 Cf. c. 843, §1.
effort should be made to welcome those parishioners with disabilities who live in institutions or group homes and are unable to frequent their parish churches or participate in parish activities. However, pastoral ministers should remember that many persons with disabilities still reside with their families. Pastoral visitation, the parish census and the diverse forms of parish and diocesan social communication are just a few of the many ways in which the pastoral staff can work toward the inclusion of all parishioners in the parish’s sacramental life.
5. In accord with c. 777, 4°, pastors are responsible to be as inclusive as possible in providing evangelization, catechetical formation and sacramental preparation for parishioners with disabilities. Persons with disabilities, their advocates and their families, as well as those knowledgeable in serving disabled persons can make a most valuable contribution to these programs. Parish catechetical and sacramental preparation programs may need to be adapted for some parishioners with disabilities. Further, parishes should encourage persons with disabilities to participate in all levels of pastoral ministry, e.g., as care ministers, catechists, etc. Dioceses are encouraged to establish appropriate support services for pastors to facilitate the evangelization, catechetical formation and sacramental preparation for parishioners with disabilities.
6. The creation of a fully accessible parish reaches beyond mere physical accommodation to encompass the attitudes of all parishioners toward persons with disabilities. Pastoral ministers are encouraged to develop specific programs aimed at forming a community of believers known for its joyful inclusion of all of God’s people around the table of the Lord.
3 Rite of Christian Initiation, General Introduction, 1.
4 Canon 868, §1, 2°.
5 Canons 868, §1, 1°and 852.
6 Canons 856 and 857.
7 Cf. Rite of Baptism for Children, 4 and 10.
9 Cf. cc. 851, 1° and 852, §1.
10 Rite of Confirmation, 1-2.
16. All baptized, unconfirmed Catholics who possess the use of reason may receive the sacrament of confirmation if they are suitably instructed, properly disposed and able to renew their baptismal promises.13 Persons who because of developmental or mental disabilities may never attain the use of reason are to be encouraged either directly or, if necessary, through their parents or guardian, to receive the sacrament of confirmation at the appropriate time.
17. Confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful between the age of discretion (which is about the age of 7) and 18 years of age, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop, or when there is a danger of death or in the judgment of the minister a grave cause urges otherwise.
whom they judge are not sufficiently disposed.17 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.
21. Eucharistic celebrations are often enhanced by the exercise of the diverse forms of ministry open to the laity. In choosing those who will be invited to use their gifts in service to the parish community, the parish pastoral staff should be mindful of extending Christ’s welcoming invitation to qualified parishioners with disabilities.
23. Only those who have the use of reason are capable of committing serious sin. Nevertheless, even small children and persons with mental disabilities often are conscious of committing acts that are sinful to some degree and may experience a sense of guilt and sorrow. As long as the individual is capable of having a sense of contrition for having committed sin, even if he or she cannot describe the sin precisely in words, the person may receive sacramental absolution. Those with profound mental disabilities who cannot experience even minimal contrition maybe invited to participate in penitential services with the rest of the community to the extent of their ability.
language interpreter of their choice.19 The interpreter is strictly bound to respect the seal of confession.20 When no priest with signing skills is available, nor sign language interpreter requested, Catholics who are deaf should be permitted to make their confession in writing. The written materials are to be returned to the penitent or otherwise properly destroyed.
20 Canons 983, §2 and 1388, §2.
21 Canons 978, §1, 979 and 981.
25 Rite of Anointing 12, 14.
31. The existence of a physical disability is not considered in and of itself as disqualifying a person from holy orders. However, candidates for ordination must possess the necessary spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and psychological qualities and abilities to fulfill the ministerial functions of the order they receive.29 The proper bishop or competent major superior makes the judgment that candidates are suited for the ministry of the church.30 Cases are to be decided on an individual basis, and in light of pastoral judgment and the opinions of diocesan personnel and other experts involved with disability issues.
33. In preparation for responsible leadership in ordained ministry, the diocesan bishop or major superior is to see to it that the formation of all students in the seminary provides for their service to the disabled community and for their possible ministry to or with persons with disabilities. Formation personnel should consult with parents, psychologists, religious educators and other experts in the adaptation of programs for ministerial formation.
29 Canons 1029 and 1041, 1°.
30 Canons 241, §1; 1025, §2; and 1051, 1°.
31 Rite of Marriage 1.
this preparation all couples may become predisposed toward holiness and to the duties of their new state. In developing diocesan policies, the local ordinary should consult with men and women of proven experience and skill in understanding the emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological needs of persons with disabilities.33 The inclusion of persons with disabilities in sponsoring couple programs is an especially effective way of supporting both the needs and the gifts of couples preparing for marriage.
33 Canons 1063, 2° and 1064.
NCCB, 15-17 June 1995, Guidelines for Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, Origins 25 (1995-1996): 105, 107-110.

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