By Father David Esquiliano
Canon Corner
Many people received their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday. Many children will receive their first Communion in the coming weeks. These children would have already or will soon participate in the sacrament of penance or reconciliation in the months leading up to their first Communion. Thus, this may be a good time to learn what the church teaches about the reception of sacraments by some members of our communities, our brothers and sisters with disabilities.
Canon 843 §1 states that the sacraments must not be denied "to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them." It could be said that people have a right to the sacraments, although this right is not unqualified.
The second paragraph of the same canon indicates that pastors "have the duty to ensure that those who seek the sacraments are prepared to receive them through proper evangelization and catechetical instruction."
In 2017, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the document Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities. This was an update on the guidelines published in 1995. While not legally binding, this document offers assistance for pastors in ministering to the many parishioners with disabilities who also have a right to the sacraments.
Regarding the sacrament of baptism, the guidelines remind us that the only time baptism may be denied is when there is no reason to hope that the person will be brought up in the Catholic faith. When a child under 7 years old is presented for baptism, and there’s hope that he or she will be raised in the Catholic faith, the child ought to be baptized.
Once the person reaches their seventh birthday, they may need to receive instruction appropriate to their age. If a person over 7 years old lacks the use of reason, they may be baptized as an infant would be, provided at least one parent or guardian consents to it.
In our diocese, the sacrament of confirmation is generally received as a teenager, only after having received proper catechesis. This may lead some to believe that the point of the sacrament is that the young person is confirming their faith. This is incorrect, as the sacrament is called confirmation because it confirms and strengthens our baptismal grace.
Canon 891 states that the sacrament is to be received at about the age of reason, but it does not specify that the person must have the use of reason. Canon 889 §2 says that to receive the sacrament licitly, a person who has the use of reason must be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew their baptismal promises.
However, as the guidelines explain, when the person cannot attain the use of reason due to intellectual or developmental disabilities, they should be encouraged, either directly or through their parents, to be confirmed.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life, and canon law states that any baptized person who is not prohibited by law should be admitted to the sacrament. Canon 913 states that for a child to receive the Eucharist, they must have "sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity."
The guidelines remind us that the criterion for a person, whether with or without any disabilities, to receive the sacrament is to be able to distinguish the body of Christ from ordinary food. To make this judgment, the pastor must consult with the parents or guardians.
The sacrament of reconciliation is needed when a person has committed a sin, especially a mortal sin. Only persons who have the use of reason are capable of committing mortal sins. People with intellectual disabilities are often conscious enough to commit sins and express sorrow.
As long as the person is capable of having a degree of sorrow and expressing it, even if not verbally, they should receive absolution. In cases of people with significant communication difficulties, they may be allowed to use communication systems in which they are most fluent. Occasionally, there may be the need for an interpreter. In this case, the interpreter is bound to observe secrecy.
Regarding the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, the guidelines warn that disability does not necessarily indicate illness, so people with disabilities should follow the same guidelines for the reception of the sacrament. That means that the sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful who have reached the use of reason and begin to be in danger of death due to sickness or old age.
The guidelines explain that a physical disability is not in itself a disqualification for holy orders. Although the candidate must possess the necessary intellectual and physical qualities, among others, to exercise his ministry. This applies to the diaconate and priesthood, as well as the episcopate. Decisions regarding a person with disabilities aspiring to holy orders must be made case by case by the proper bishop or superior.
The Code of Canon Law states that all persons who are not prohibited by law can contract marriage. Canon 1095 states that there are some people who are incapable of contracting marriage. Among them are those who lack the sufficient use of reason and those who are not able to assume the essential obligations of marriage for causes of a psychic nature.
The reason for this is because it is the consent of the parties that brings about the marriage, so a person should be able to understand what they are consenting to. Not all disabilities cause the lack of the use of reason, and pastors should work with couples wanting to marry to assess their ability to enter into a marriage.
Physical disabilities are not in themselves impediments to marriage, with the exception of a disability that has caused perpetual impotence to have intercourse, according to canon 1084. Nevertheless, when there is any doubt regarding the impotence, the marriage must be celebrated, as reminded by the guidelines.
I have mentioned before that the salvation of souls is the supreme law of the church. The canons regarding the celebration of the sacraments, aided by these guidelines, seek to ensure that everyone is able to receive the graces that God offers for our salvation. If you work in a parish or ever have a question about the celebration of a sacrament with a person with disabilities, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].