Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities proper begins with eight paragraphs laying out “General Principles.” Anyone reading them would click off, “no-brainer,” and move on. They include the equal dignity of all persons and that Baptism sets each person on the course to a shared divine calling. (GCSPD 1) Canon law is cited, 835.4 and 843.1 of the right all Catholics possess to “participate in the sacraments as fully as other members of the local ecclesial community.” and that those who provide the sacraments cannot refuse anyone who “seek(s) them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.” (Those canons cited plus GCSPD 2)
We shouldn’t be surprised that one of the hallmarks of Vatican II is cited in paragraph 3, “full, active, and conscious participation.” Does this mean every person participates in liturgy in the same way? Or course not. But the advice given to clergy and other ministers aligns with another Catholic hallmark, Pope Francis’ theme of accompaniment. What does that mean? Get to know people with disabilities. (Cf. Ibid. 3) Pope Benedict XVI is cited:
Full accessibility should be the goal for every parish, and these adaptations are to be an ordinary part of the liturgical life of the parish. (Cf. Sacramentum Caritatis 58)
Like I said above: easy. Thoughts or comments?
Catholic Sensibility 