The General Directory for Catechesis, states, “All the baptized, because they are called by God to maturity of faith, need and have therefore a right to adequate catechesis. It is thus a primary responsibility of the Church to respond to this in a fitting and satisfactory manner.” By nature of the Sacrament of Baptism, each individual in the Church is called to a deeper faith, and to catechesis in that faith.
Most people take for granted that catechesis will be available for their child. Most (if not all) parishes have catechetical programs of some sort, including a sacramental preparation program (for children and adults in R.C.I.A.). However, such a program is something that the parent of a child or adult with special needs is not permitted to take for granted. In past decades, children with special needs were often not welcome to participate in catechetical programs. They were thought to be either incapable of catechetical development, or else the resources weren’t available to accommodate them.
In more recent decades, however, there is a growing trend to welcome both children and adults alike into catechetical programs in faith communities. However, resources for parishioners with special needs are still lacking in many instances. On the one hand, specialized programs are beginning to be developed for students with special needs (the SPRED program in Chicago’s Archdiocese comes to mind, among others). On the other hand, most catechists are simply not trained to work with students with special needs and often find themselves at a loss as to where to begin. This results in a lack of catechesis (or at least a lack of adequate catechesis) for individuals with disabilities (especially mental disabilities).
There is hope! For several years now, I have done work and research in this area. I hope to share with you some of the opportunities, options, and other resources available for those with special needs seeking catechesis, especially in the Roman Catholic faith tradition.
God bless,
Michele
