The parents of a seven-year-old boy with Down Syndrome are accusing the Catholic Church of “discrimination” for denying their son the sacrament of Holy Communion.
The church said that their son, Denum Ellarby, would not sufficiently ‘understand the preparation’ or be able to ‘enjoy participation in Mass’, according to Daily Mail reports.
Clare, Denum’s mother, has complained to the diocese chiefs, who have backed her parish priest, Father Patrick Mungovin’s views.
The Leeds diocese Vicar General said in a letter, that Father Mungovin was not “unreasonable in sharing the view that Denum should proceed to First Sacraments when he will be better placed to understand the preparation and to enjoy participation in Mass”.
A diocese spokesman said, “Christians come to share fully in the life of the Christian Church through the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.
“Often Baptism is celebrated for babies in order to bring them into the life of the Church but they only proceed to the sacrament of First Communion when they take part in the Church’s life and understand the Church’s faith in regard to these sacraments.”
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In the past two weeks the couple, in West Yorkshire, England, have gathered over 400 signatures in support of Denum. Clare and her husband Darren, who have two other children, said they expected to be allowed to teach Denum about the Catholic faith at home. She had thought the authorities would be “flexible” about it, as is customary for children with learning disabilities.
She said “I believe it is because of his disability that they won’t accept him. I feel very upset my son is being discriminated against and I feel really let down by the Catholic faith.
“They need to have more compassion. What they are doing is so cruel. As a child with Down’s Syndrome he may never have a full understanding of what it is about.”
Denum does not read or write and strangers have difficulty understanding him. However, Clare says, “I think he is very bright. He is doing everything that a child with Down’s Syndrome would normally do.”
The Ellarby family has worshipped at St. Mary of the Angels Church for four generations. Denum was baptized there and it was his parents’ wish that he make his First Holy Communion there with his school, St. Mary’s Primary.
Clare told the BBC “I have been in that Catholic church all my life, as a child I went there every Sunday.
“I can't get there every Sunday now, it's difficult with Denum and I have got a younger child.
“But generations of my family have been baptised, made our Holy Communion, we had our marriage blessing there and we feel really let down.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.conkwright | Jan 22, 2012, 03:16 AM EST
I think this is a really tough situation for the family. I am not really sure I know enough to fully understand the situation, but I would ask questions. This situation arises in the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church and the Churches in Communion with the Roman Catholic Church view the Eucharist differently than do other churches. In Eucharist, the recipient receives, by Catholic doctrine, the real body and blood of Christ. Downs Syndrome involves different levels disability; I don't know how badly this child is affected. What is the risk that this child would do something inappropriate with the host---such as spitting it out? I don't know nearly enough to answer that. Does that mean he is any less worthy of receiving Eucharist than someone else? No. ("Lord, I am not worthy of coming under thy roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed"). The question is whether he can handle the sacrament which The Roman Catholic Church takes as seriously as anything in the world. Having Downs Syndrome, it is very unlikely the boy will ever develop much understanding of the Eucharist. With his baptism, however, he became a member of The Catholic Church. Personally I would say go through a few rehearsals and if they go all right give him the Eucharist. Just my opinion.
AMWilson | Jan 21, 2012, 11:58 PM EST
Fair point Mandrake but, again, I'm not defending the doctrine; just explaining it.
mandrake | Jan 21, 2012, 11:45 PM EST
Where was the "reasoning"when these children were being abused and the perverts responsible effectively protected by the Bishops and the Garda?
AMWilson | Jan 21, 2012, 10:49 PM EST
I have to agree with allan500: I'm not defending RC doctrine on this matter, but the doctrine is centered around the concept of REASON and being able to understand the sacarament. Being (apparently) lifelong Catholics, this family should have been familiar with that doctrine. To play the discrimination card here is just ridiculous. This is a doctrinal issue, and the priest was doctrinally correct. For the family to act stunned makes me wonder how much they understand RC doctrine. The church's decision should not have come as a surprise to them.
mandrake | Jan 21, 2012, 05:58 PM EST
As far as going to a Bishop about this matter,have ye no grey matter at all? These dodgy clerics were part of the cover-up in this child abuse. As far as refusing Communion this bloke is on very shaky ground for doing so.If I were one of his parishioners Id say so from the floor of the Church, turn my back and walk away.
Flannery23 | Jan 21, 2012, 03:42 PM EST
In response to comments made about the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests...yes, it did happen, and yes, it is wrong...but I don't think it's fair to point fingers at the Catholic Church as if they are the only ones, nor do I think it is fair to make it sound as if the majority of priests are abusers. We're talking about less than 1% of the priesthood, and this sort of abuse happens in all religions, and much more often by grandfathers, uncles, doctors, teachers, etc., but you won't see that make the news because Catholicism is the media's favorite whipping boy. I'm not justifying what happened, but we need to take an honest look here at reality and apparent reality.
allan500 | Jan 21, 2012, 11:20 AM EST
MegK311, if you do the slightest research you will discover that the Episcopal Church is nothing more than a schismatic offshoot of the Catholic Church. Perhaps the fact that it changes its beliefs to fit every size indicates that it is a church without beliefs.
allan500 | Jan 21, 2012, 11:14 AM EST
The family is acting very poorly. If they knew their faith they would know that there might be problem with a child receiving Holy Communion who appears unable to understand what is taking place. They might have reason to appeal to their bishop because whether the boy is able to understand or not was decided by one priest who may have made the wrong call. One wonders how much faith they have. They feel slighted so they begin a petition? They appear not to have rational instincts. The Church does not exist to make people happy. It is the source of salvation from Jesus Christ.
barneyjo | Jan 21, 2012, 08:42 AM EST
@newcanaan - really? Did you actually read the article? It is about a little Downs Syndrome boy who had conditions placed upon him by the Catholic Church as a precursor to receiving a sacrament on the Church - Communion. You ask about "muslims, jews and protestants" This child would wish to receive communion in a catholic church, not a protestant church, or a mosque, or a synagogue. so your point is somewhat lost in all of this :)
newcanaan | Jan 21, 2012, 07:10 AM EST
another Catholic bashing story, nothing about muslims, jews, protestants???
GeorgeDillon | Jan 21, 2012, 12:04 AM EST
MegK311--You're not member of our Church. We make the rules for our church, you don't. Why would you want to receive Communion with us, if you're not one of us? I find that very rude and offensive on your part. You have some some nerve whining about a church that you're not a member of.
MegK311 | Jan 20, 2012, 10:59 PM EST
I have a daughter who is developmentally disabled so I do understand how these parents feel about their child being discriminated by the church. I am a member of the Episcopal Church and this child would recieve Holy Communion at our services. When I attended a funeral mass at a RC church the priest announced that only members of the RC church could recieve communion. I found that very offensive. At my church all people baptized in the Christian faith were welcome to recieve communion.
MegK311 | Jan 20, 2012, 09:15 PM EST
This decision is so wrong on so many levels that it is unbelievable.
barneyjo | Jan 20, 2012, 08:45 PM EST
@cillowen - Oh dear, has it not occurred to you that many Brit RCs are actually decendants of Irish RCs who settled in England in the 19th & 20th Century. "D'OH!!!"
waltergmccarthy | Jan 20, 2012, 07:30 PM EST
This is the kind of stupid narrowmindedness that drives people away from the catholic church. This precious innocent child has a much better chance of entering Heaven, with or without Holy Communion, than this Mungovin guy.
cillowen | Jan 20, 2012, 07:14 PM EST
the brit RCs are different - i sensed that when i got there. they acted more like protestants, i thought.
joan1954 | Jan 20, 2012, 05:31 PM EST
In my diocese we do give communion To Down syndrome and I live in Texas. Sometimes priests don't know that they can do this. These people can check with their bishop but then a lot of Catholic people don't know how to handle priests.
MacGiobuinR | Jan 20, 2012, 05:18 PM EST
If the Church should withhold Communion it should be to withhold it from Priest and Bishops etc that have been involved in abuse of our children !
Harliemt | Jan 20, 2012, 04:53 PM EST
As a devout Episcopalian I am horrified that Denum would be denied. I know for sure that my church would welcome him with loving open arms.
eibhleann7 | Jan 20, 2012, 04:50 PM EST
I am proud to say our Catholic church not only would give this child Communion, but has a religious Ed program for the special need child, called Shamrocks. As the majority of the down syndrom population has at least a 7 year old mentality, there is no reason why there should be any issue with comprehension of the ceremony. As for the gluten problem, our Church changed to gluten-free wafers years ago. I am happy to say our Diosies is thoughtful of all it's members. No wonder Archbishop Dolan is to be elevated to Cardinal. GOD bless him.
greensod | Jan 20, 2012, 04:43 PM EST
Time for that priest to find a new line of work.
alisaann | Jan 20, 2012, 04:21 PM EST
and this is WHY, i'm NOT a big supporter of ANY religion....this is wrong..i say, GET OUT and find a bunch that is MORE supportive. alisa
Ms.Gail | Jan 20, 2012, 03:19 PM EST
I am reminded of the priest who insisted that the child with Celiac disease had to take the church's wheat wafer for 1st communion regardless of it causing a life threatening reaction to the child. The child couldn't take just the wine or a gluten free bread. I am also reminded that some people think the Inquisition was pleasuraable to some.
jacersagain | Jan 20, 2012, 02:40 PM EST
This is a very sad thing to happen to any young child. WWJD? Well, He's already said it... "Suffer the children to come unto Me".
Deidra47 | Jan 20, 2012, 02:36 PM EST
And churches wonder why people turn away from the church and religion. I'm sure this child has an understanding of what communion is about within his abilities to understand and should be allowed to take it.
GeorgeDillon | Jan 20, 2012, 02:04 PM EST
I am a practicing Catholic, and I think this action by the diocese is wrong, very wrong. It sometimes seems the church is in the hands of fools. There is no person more pure and worthy of receiving Communion than a child such as this young man. Do the bishops actually think that Christ would not have "permitted that child to come unto him"? I bet that child has a clearer idea of God than I have, and I'm four decades older than him. Come to think of it, I bet he has a clearer idea of God than these worthless bishops have.
peterson | Jan 20, 2012, 01:48 PM EST
As long as the child can understand the meaning is what is important. Go for it !!
mandrake | Jan 20, 2012, 01:18 PM EST
Another nail in the coffin of these idiot priests.
mamaginnty | Jan 20, 2012, 01:11 PM EST
Bullsh.., if people are honest, being seven and making your first communion was scary, you knew you were receiving god but the rest was more like mumbo jumbo, you learned the preperation questions parrot fashion and afraid you got them wrong if asked. The big day was nice for the child, all dressed up and family gatherings. The child should be at least 12-14 to fully understand what it is all about so young Denum is no differant from any other child at that age. The church is so wrong with this, and are getting worse in some of the rules they are coming out with, some sound a bit mad actually, they have had a hold over catholics for so long, they can't except not being the ruler over people. A cult it is. Having faith yes, but bowing down to this lot...no.
culchiewoman | Jan 20, 2012, 01:03 PM EST
Hmm...guess SeamusMartin is allowed to say "bastards" (and I am one, born out of wedlock), but I cannot say h*ll. Go figure. Well, anyway, my advice to the Ellarby's would be to run like h*ll...why would you want to join a dysfunctional club that won't have you and your son as full members?
SeamusMartin | Jan 20, 2012, 12:54 PM EST
Dear God, Forgive them (RCC) for they no not what they freakin' do. Time for the New Catholics to rise up and ask WWJD (What would jesus do?). AND I'll tell you -- he kick the old guard bastards out of the temple and bless the child and his parents!
Nicomax | Jan 20, 2012, 12:00 PM EST
My open faith and Jesuit education has led me to the logical conclusion that today's Catholic Church has drifted so far from the message of Christ, they could be considered a cult in those countries that outlaw cults.
IAPRINCESS | Jan 20, 2012, 11:59 AM EST
NO WAY!!!
donal1951 | Jan 20, 2012, 11:58 AM EST
I am Orthodox and can attest to the accuracy of Woodkern's statement that in the Orthodox churches, and the Eastern Rite churches affiliated with Rome, the practice is to do baptism, first Communion in the form of wine, and confirmation, known as chrismation, at the same time. Denum Ellarby should be allowed to receive the Eucharist with his school mates.
SeamusMor | Jan 20, 2012, 11:53 AM EST
My blind faith and Jesuit education incline me towards unflinching support of the Church, but not of all actions taken at local levels by its clergy. The proudest moment in my life was seeing my brother Tommy awarded a gold medal at the Special Olympics. Although he does not have Downs Syndrome, a number of his teammates, and many attending did, and it was profoundly inspiring to see them joyously overcome the challenges of their conditions to triumph in sporting competitions, or falling short of victory, to be brave in the attempt. One does not "Ace a test" to get into Heaven, one does so by living righteously and participating in the Sacraments. Upon prayerful reflection, I believe that Fr. Mungovin and his superiors will ask themselves what Jesus Christ himself would do about young Denum's desire to go to Holy Communion along with his family, and welcome them with open arms.
SeamusMor | Jan 20, 2012, 11:36 AM EST
My blind faith and Jesuit education incline me towards unflinching support of the Church, but not of all actions taken at local levels by its clergy. The proudest moment in my life was seeing my brother Tommy awarded a gold medal at the Special Olympics. Although he does have Downs Syndrome, a number of his teammates, and many attending did, and it was profoundly inspiring to see them joyously overcome the challenges of their conditions to triumph in sporting competitions, or falling short of victory, to be brave in the attempt. One does not "Ace a test" to get into Heaven, one does so by living righteously and participating in the Sacraments. Upon prayerful reflection, I believe that Fr. Mungovin and his superiors will ask themselves what Jesus Christ himself would do about young Denum's desire to go to Holy Communion along with his family, and welcome them with open arms.
snakehips | Jan 20, 2012, 11:23 AM EST
My Dear Fr. Mugovin, did you not know that we are all God's Children and that the New Testament draws our Lord's infinite compassion to the sick, weak and disenfranchised? As opposed to the lot of you mean-spirited and sexually perverted priests, Denum will go to heaven because his soul is more pure than any of you miserable sons of b_ _ _ _ _ s.
DrSheilahere | Jan 20, 2012, 11:15 AM EST
As long as the boy can learn the Catechism, understand the meaning of Communion, what does having Down's Syndrome have to do with it?
jamieLM | Jan 20, 2012, 11:08 AM EST
Another example of the "infinite wisdom" of the RCC hierarchy. I don't think God/Jesus would be all that offended if this child received Holy Communion. After all, Down Syndrome child or pedophile priest receiving the sacrament?
Woodkern | Jan 20, 2012, 11:02 AM EST
In Eastern Christian Churches, including those bodies in communion with Rome, both Chrismation (Confirmation) and Holy Communion (under the species of wine) are administered immediately to newly baptised babies. Vatican II encouraged Roman Catholics to familiarize themselves with the practices and sprituality of the Christian East, which so jealously maintains and guards ancient practice. Sorry to say, but the priest and the diocesan are woefully ignorant of their own Faith. Mr and Mrs Ellarby may want to consider visiting such a church (ie. Melkite, Ukrainian, etc) and speaking with the clergy their. Given that Denum is already baptized, he would likely be welcomed to receive the Sacrament.
groovyfirechick | Jan 20, 2012, 09:55 AM EST
Children with Down Syndrome are exceptional people! Shame on the Catholic Church for not treating everyone equally. Who are they to judge how much this child understands?!
mrkennedy | Jan 20, 2012, 09:37 AM EST
Jamcelt, I also bow my head in shame over this. However it is time to return to the Tradionalist, pre-Vatican11 when this child would have received Holy Communion as I know for a fact. Aftr all Holy Communion is the receiving of the Body & Blood of Jesus and how wonderful for Our Lord to reside in the body of this 7 year old boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jamcelt | Jan 20, 2012, 09:26 AM EST
I bow my head in shame over this. The Church has just gone too far. It is time for the progressive Catholics to split from Rome.