Children and the Sacraments
Confirmation, Eucharist, and Penance
Archdiocese of Brisbane Sacramental Policy, May 1997

12. Greater pastoral flexibility will be required to cater for those who have an intellectual disability or other special needs.

Various adaptations in the policy will be needed for those who have special intellectual, emotional or physical needs. By way of example, the following guidelines have been approved in the Archdiocese of Brisbane for the reception of the sacraments of confirmation, eucharist and penance by people who have an intellectual disability.

Archdiocese of Brisbane 1982 revised 1992.

The love of Jesus for children and for those who are marginalised and his unqualified acceptance of them is clearly portrayed in such gospel scenes as that of his putting his arms around little children and blessing them (Mk 10:13-16), curing the possessed boy (Mt 17:14-17), raising the daughter of Jairus (Lk 8:40-53) and healing the paralysed man (Lk 5:17-26). The local Church is called to express this same unqualified love, acceptance and inclusion.

When parents know that their son or daughter has an intellectual disability and their faith leads them to express a desire for the child to receive the sacraments, then the usual norms governing these matters should be replaced or supplement ed by consideration of the faith of the family in the love that Christ has for their intellectually disabled member.

In practice, there should be no hindrance to the full incorporation of this person into the Christian community. Even if a child or adult were to give no evidence of intellectual activity, these sacraments may still be given so long as the person is accompanied by other members of the family.

The reason for this practice is twofold: to give witness to the love of Christ and the Church for the person who is intellectually disabled but who is a person with an eternal destiny and a priceless dignity; and to honour the person's status as a baptized member of the Church. This witness becomes more credible when, as is the case in infant baptism, the Church expresses its love and care sacramentally, looking to the supporting faith of the family where personal faith is not possible. Another reason is that, once the question of giving these sacraments to someone with intellectual disability has been raised, were the Church to respond negatively the family would very likely experience this as a rejection by the Church of one whom they have been taught not to reject but to accept and love. To be able to share the sacraments with their son or daughter will, on the other hand, encourage them in the particular, constant, and often difficult role that is theirs.

Consultation between parents, pastor and catechist will determine when and how the sacraments should be administered. It is desirable that the sacraments should be celebrated in the midst of the parish community at the same time and age as other children. However individual circumstances will sometimes suggest other arrangements. In receiving holy communion, similar consultation may suggest it preferable that the priest or special minister give the host and cup to one of the parents to adminis­ter to make sure that their child is not up­set by a stranger and that the elements are swallowed. This procedure has the advan­ tage of expressing family love and unity.

Every effort should be made to assist those who can appreciate these sacraments to do so. Appreciation will vary, of course, according to the person's disability. This task of catechesis is on-going, and should not occasion delay in admission to the sacraments. It is sufficient that the person be prepared according to their ability at the time the request is made. (These same principles apply to children with hearing impairment.)

Resources for sacramental preparation are available through Brisbane Catholic Edu­cation and The Liturgical Commission. Personnel are available for consultation and support (Phone (07) 3840 0525).

Concerning the sacrament of penance, the readiness of the candidate is ascertained according to the usual norms. Reception of this sacrament will frequently be delayed, and in many cases there will be no question of its ever being administered.

Each case (and even each occasion) will be considered individually, looking to all relevant circumstances. Any appearance of the sacraments being forced on a person with an intellectual disability should be avoided. Nor should parents feel obliged to bring their son or daughter to communion with them each time they themselves receive. Finally even if the practice of the faith by the parents is irregular their child may be admitted to the sacraments where there is the genuine faith support of the extended family or a Catholic institution.