Pastorate of the disabled in the diocese

Abstract

The diocese is the Catholic Church made manifest in a definite place. The Church is realized there in its priestly, teaching and pastoral functions. Owing to the bishop's ministry the diocese is a part of the Catholic Church, and at the same time it is a particular Church that has its own identity and specificity. the bishop’s ministry is directed to all the faithful in the diocese. Disabled people are entrusted to his special care, as they cannot fully realize the Christian mission in the parish. For them the bishop, along with the diocesan curia and properly prepared priestly and lay assistants, organizes a special kind of pastorate that has asupra-parish character. He also supports efforts made by parish priests on the basis of the principle of personalization, normalization and integration. It is also the bishop’s task to offer material, educational and teaching aid, as well as help in their rehabilitation.