Special Needs: Catechetical Resources

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis strives to serve the needs of parishes by providing education and formation for all parishioners. We collaborate with parishes in providing catechist formation, resources and information on persons with special needs to ensure their sacramental and liturgical access and offer support for their families.

"We are a single flock under the care of a single shepherd. There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities". Persons with disabilities, especially children, are particularly beloved of the Lord and are integral members of the Christian community. They include those with cognitive disabilities, those with developmental disabilities, those with learning disabilities, the emotionally disturbed, persons with physical disabilities, the hard of hearing, the deaf, the visually imparied, the blind and others. All persons with disabilties have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be living witnesses to its truth within the community of faith and offer valuable gifts. Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church life. They are not just the recipients of catechesis—they are also its agents. Bishops have invited qualified persons with disabilities to ordination, to consecrated life, and to full-time, professional service in the Church. 

All persons with disabilities of special needs should be welcomed in the Church. Every person, however limited, is capable of growth in holiness. "The love of the Father for the weakest of his children and the continuous presence of Jesus and His Spirit give assurance that every person, however, limited, is capable of growth in holiness." Some persons with disabilities live in isolating conditions that make it difficult for them to participate in catechetical experiences. "Since provision of access to religious functions is a pastoral duty," parishes should make that much more effort to include those who may feel excluded. 

- National Directory for Catechesis, 49

• Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities 
• Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
• Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities
• Bienvenida y Justicia para Personas con Discapacitadas

All baptized persons with disabilities have a right to adequate catechesis and deserve the means to develop a relationship with God.

• Catechesis for persons with disabilities must be adapted in content and method to their particular situations.

• Specialized catechists should help them interpret the meaning of their lives and give witness to Christ's presence in the local community in ways they can understand and appreciate. (NDC Guidelines)

• "Great care should be taken to avoid further isolation of persons with disabilities through these programs which, as far as possible, should be integrated with the normal catechetical activities of the parish." (Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, 25)

• Catechetical efforts should be promoted by diocesan staffs and parish committees that include persons with disabilities."  (Cf. Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities, 2)

Diocese of Austin Prayer Book in Braille

New! Our prayer books are now available in braille. They are now in inventory and ready to ship.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Program

A comprehensive religion curriculum designed to help parents and catechists in their task of teaching special children and adults about the Catholic faith. The program may be used in a variety of religious education settings: parish religious education, either in an inclusive classroom or in a specialized setting. (Available in English and Spanish) website

Loyola Press Adaptive Preparation Kits

Adaptive Preparation Kits for Confirmation, Reconciliation, and First Eucharist. Designed to help individuals with autism and other special needs enter fully into the faith experience, prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and live their lives as participating members of the Catholic Church. website

Adaptive Finding God Program: A faith formation program for children with special needs adapted to a variety of settings and situations. website

National Catholic Office for the Deaf

• Strengthened in Faith: Confirmation a Sacramental Preparation in American Sign Language(DVD)
• Liturgical Prayers in American Sign Language (DVD)
• Sacrament of Reconciliation in American Sign Language (DVD)
• Policy for Working with Sign Language Interpreters in Catholic Religious Settings
• Principles for Understanding Deaf Ministry and Guidelines for Hiring Pastoral Ministers for the Deaf Community

University of Dayton

Inclusive Catechesis Resources

National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry

Sacramental Themes and Learning Styles that list suggestions on how to teach the theme in a visual, auditory or kinesthetic manner

• Baptism
• Reconciliation
• Eucharist
• Confirmation

Liguori Publications

Handbook for Adaptive Catechesis: Serving Those with Special Needs

Other Resources

• Autism and Faith
• Faith Formation Parent Interview
• Parent/Caregiver Faith Formation Questionnaire
• Help Your Child's Catechist Get to Know Your Child with Special Needs
• Creating Meaningful Faith Formation Opportunities for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders Worksheet
• Getting to Know the Person: Parent Conversation Questions
• Individualized Religious Education Program Form — Blank
• Individualized Religious Education Program Form — Sample
• Adaptive Resources for Worship

• National Catholic Partnership on Disability
• Xavier Society for the Blind
• Catholic Education Resource Center
• National Catholic Office for the Deaf
• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Center for Parent Information & Resources Library
• Autism Society of America
• Loyola Press
• Our Sunday Visitor
• Pathways to Promise
• Disability is Natural
• National Institute of Mental Health