"It seems your friend's problem was not a doctrinal one, but one of being part of the wrong parish."
Wrong diocese too; but to be fair, this was 15 years ago or so. By the way, you mention that the priest will decide when these kids can receive communion by determining if they "understand". What if they never do? And does the Latin Church likewise deny the sacraments to confused old people?
"Therefore with fullest assurance let us partake as of the Body and Blood of Christ: for in the figure of Bread is given to thee His Body, and in the figure of Wine His Blood; that thou by partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, mightest be made of the same body and the same blood with Him. For thus we come to bear Christ in us, because His Body and Blood are diffused through our members; thus it is that, according to the blessed Peter, we become partaker of the divine nature. [2 Peter 1:4] " +Cyril of Jerusalem
The spiritual arrogance of any priest or bishop presuming to deny the Body and Blood to individuals because they, apparently unlike such a priest or bishop who fully "understands" the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist, "do not understand" is not just astonishing, it is an abomination! Tell me, what do these Latin priests have to say to their Eastern Rite brothers who give communion to babies at their baptism?
No, it is the Sunday school teacher who will decide when the children can be presented to the priests as prepared to take the sacrament. I support her. I believe any child can reach a state of grace through loving education and preparation. This teacher is good and has trained other handicapped, downs and autistic children.
And yes, the Catholic church denies communion to some people. Like me, a Protestant not converted.
The literature I received from the Parish indicates the church has the ability to use discretion in who partakes in the Catholic eucharist under some circumstances, which I am sure it would and does in the case of mentally disabled and ailing Catholics. As it did with Terri Schiavo.