Fifty-eight parish priests from the following provinces responded to this survey on the integration of mentally disabled people into parish life:
20 from Milan; 15 from Rome; 3 from Como; 2 each from Ascoli, Bari, Naples, and Parma; 1 from other provinces.
8 of these responses came from parishes where a Faith and Light community exists.
1. "In your view, why do disabled people have difficulty integrating into parish life?" (Multiple answers possible)
Accessibility barriers 11, Lack of understanding 13, Poor welcome 23, Fear by others 15, and other reasons.
2. "Do you know disabled people in your parish?" (Multiple answers)
Deaf 55, Blind 60, Spastic 85, Physical handicap 199, Mental handicap 205, Mental illness 130.
3. "Do you, as pastor, find it difficult to welcome disabled people?"
Almost all said they have no difficulty. Two mentioned constraints on their time and a shortage of welcoming parishioners. One noted difficulty in offering the appropriate, necessary help.
4. "In which parish activities do disabled people participate in your community?" (Multiple answers)
Mass 37. Movements 4. Groups 25. Scouts 9. Catholic Action 4. Religious instruction 24. Altar servers 3. Choir 5. Pastoral council
5. "How do parishioners react to disabled people? Have you noticed progress in this area in recent years?"
Responses = 56
15 priests gave negative responses: little or no progress in welcoming. They stressed feelings of pity, compassion, and indifference.
41 gave positive responses: notable progress, especially among young people (scouts, Catholic Action, Caritas groups, youth groups, who try to welcome them even with some hesitation, noting their lack of preparation). Overall, they said the mentality seems completely changed from the past, though much remains to be done.
6. "Have you encountered particularly difficult cases involving parents of disabled children or disabled people themselves? Can you give an example?"
Only 23 priests responded with examples.
In summary: the hardest cases involve parents unable to accept their child's disability or severe condition; parents' resistance to accepting help or bringing their child among others; refusal to have their disabled child attend religious instruction because they think the child incapable of preparing for the sacraments; the isolation and withdrawal that some families experience...
The other 33 priests said they had never encountered difficult cases.
7. "Do you think the parish community could be enriched by the presence of disabled people?"
31 responses, all positive, suggesting these priests have genuinely encountered and welcomed disabled people with Gospel love.
What is their value? Many answered: "They foster solidarity, they help us see the true values of daily life in proper perspective"; "They deepen our faith"...
8. "What do you think of the idea of a group home supported and backed by the parish community?"
20 priests found the idea good but expressed hesitation and doubt about making it happen.
8 to 10, besides finding it good and just, said they were open to exploring a possible implementation.
3 to 4 had already thought about supporting this project with others.
Few said they were firmly opposed or did not answer. One priest wrote, "It is a gift and a grace to ask for!"
N.B. We remind those who have not yet responded to our invitation that you can visit your nearest parish priest with this survey in hand and send us the response. If warranted, we will publish a second summary in July 1989.