Pastoral Care of the Disabled in the Directory for Catechesis Published on March 23, 2020

Abstract

The most recently published Directory for Catechesis addresses catechesis for the disabled within the totality of the Church’s pastoral ministry. The dignity of every person as a child of God, which is granted through the Sacrament of Baptism when a person is incorporated into the Body of Christ, is the basis for the Church’s pastoral care, which includes catechesis, of the disabled. The presence of the disabled within the ecclesial community and secular society is a gift, since such individuals enrich their environment and inspire others to perform good deeds. The disabled both receive and proclaim God’s word just as they also share in the priestly ministry of the faithful and participate in the liturgy. However, it is important for the Church to adjust how She ministers to the disabled in order to meet their personal needs and abilities and to adapt Her approach properly to apostolic activity, especially giving witness by living a Christian life.