Review article
https://doi.org/10.34075/sb.65.1.2
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES An inclusive perspective in the school and parish environment
Marijana Mohorić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8932-0355
; University of Zadar, Theological and Catechetic Department, Zadar, Croatia
Tea Zupčić
; University of Zadar, Theological and Catechetic Department, Zadar, Croatia
Abstract
We live in a society that is characterized by competitive principles that are increasingly burdening the educational system. At the same time, this same society emphasizes the principle of equality for all people. In relations with persons with special educational needs, especially persons with developmental ties, this principle, which is translated as the right to inclusion, is often emphasized theoretically, while at the same time it is practically violated or superficially implemented. If spiritual life is prevented or made impossible by the presence of some great difficulty, then perhaps it is enough to talk about inclusion as the right to simply “standing” somewhere. But here, the understanding of inclusion comes down to the legal understanding of the term. Church activity, however, should be inspired by theological foundations. These two views distinguish between two different but complementary educational practices: Catholic religious education in schools and catechesis in parish communities. In this sense, the teaching of Catholic religious education has a great potential to contribute to the inclusion of children with disabilities in the public education system. However, church catechesis should be aimed at achieving communion. In order to encourage greater engagement in this direction, the paper first provides a brief description of children with developmental disabilities, then describes the possible contribution of Catholic religious education and the specifics of the catechetical approach. It is also reminded of the role of religious teachers, or catechists, and the necessity of cooperation, or the development of partnership relations, with parents/guardians, assistants, the church community and the wider social community.
Keywords
children with developmental disabilities; inclusion; Catholic religious education; church catechesis; fellowship; educational alliance
Hrčak ID:
335749
URI
Publication date:
22.9.2025.
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