While on pilgrimage this spring, Joel and I attended the Beatification Mass for Blessed Pope John Paul II in the piazza outside St. Peter’s Basilica. Much of the Mass was spoken in Latin, a language I don’t speak. Some other parts were said in Italian, some Polish, and even a little English thrown in at times.
Worship aids for the Mass were made available in a variety of languages including English. Throughout the entire celebration, even though I couldn’t speak most of the language, I could hear and pickup enough to follow along well. The Vatican even pre-released the transcript of Pope Benedict’s homily in a few languages so the non-Italian speaking world could follow along.
I was so grateful for that worship aid.
American Sign Language for "Jesus"
Imagine sitting through Mass without the ability to hear even a single word. It’s the reality for a fellow parishioner and dear friend whose son is profoundly deaf. Where I was able to fully participate in that Mass thanks to a worship aid translated in my native tongue, my friend’s son hasn’t been able to experience an equivalent accommodation. Throughout the greater community here, not one Mass is translated in his language, American Sign Language (ASL), on an ongoing or regular basis.
As my friend has explored options and available resources, she has discovered the evangelical church no more than 500 yards from our parish provides an ASL interpreter during one service each weekend and during some religious education programs. Many non-Catholic friends have suggested that she simply walk across the street with her family and make a new home there.
Not an option.
She wants to raise her son Catholic, to pass on our rich faith and allow him to participate in and receive the sacraments. As welcoming as the neighboring church may be to the deaf, walking across the street to that church is an unsatisfactory solution.
At this point, we are simply trying to gather information so my friend can begin networking with other Catholics in a similar situation. She would like to learn from others, especially from parishes/dioceses that have provided accommodations for deaf Catholics. If you have any experience attending an ASL-interpreted Mass or religious education programs, please share your experiences. You can provide input in the comment box below or email me directly through our Contact Page. I will be sure to pass on all comments.
The church where I most often attend Mass (St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville, OH) has an ALS interpreter present for at least one Mass each weekend & on holidays (maybe more often than that). There is a special section marked “seating for the deaf & hearing impaired” in one of the front pews, and the interpreter sits facing them. The interpreter has a music stand which I assume contains the music, readings, & homily for the Mass. I have seen a couple of different interpreters, and they will interpret the Mass even if no one is seated in the special section. I think it is a lovely thing to add to Mass so that everyone may hear it. I hope your church is able to provide this for your friend.
Kelly,
This is fantastic information and a lovely tradition at that parish. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Maybe it bodes well – St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville, OH . . . St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, IA!
Lisa Schmidt recently posted..When You Can’t Hear the Mass
Obviously, that should have said “ASL” not “ALS”…my coffee apparently hasn’t kicked in yet this morning!
I am currently working for the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf, here in Tucson. COPD is part of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona. We provide interpreting services, vocational programs (to help those who are deaf or disabled obtain employment), and counseling services. Interestingly enough, with all the information that we provide on our website – there isn’t one link or section about parishes in the Tucson Diocese that offer ASL interpreting during masses. I might have to suggest this to our director….
Hi Jessica. Thanks for the information! Your job sounds very interesting! I hope it is going well.
If you find resources in the Tuscon area that you can add to your website, that would be terrific. We are getting some very good leads on opportunities to explore for our parish and the Des Moines area.
Thanks, once again, for commenting.
Lisa Schmidt recently posted..Totally Dependent on God
I am an interpreter for a Catholic Church in Orlando. We offer signed masses in several parishes throughout the diocese as well as a mass done in ASL twice a year. For a parish without a signed/interpreted mass I would suggest some online resources:
Father Michael Depcik, a Deaf priest, posts a weekly homily in ASL on his website as well as occasional teaching videos: http://www.frmd.org/
Also, a parish in Atlanta puts up a video of the readings and a homily at http://www.transfiguration.org. They aren’t always up on Sunday, but usually soon after.
There are also some religious education resources here: http://ncod.org/Resources.asp
Not quite the same as having it during mass – but better than nothing!
Also, is the parish aware they have a Deaf parishioner? Maybe they would be willing to provide an interpreter?
Liz,
This is terrific info. Thanks for sharing. My friend is grateful for this information and has already begun exploring the links you provided. God bless!
Lisa Schmidt recently posted..Totally Dependent on God
Liz, which church in Orlando do you interpret for? I am hearing impaired, currently looking for catholic churches in Orlando to go to for sign language.
Lisa, I sent a link to a friend of mine in Missouri who interpreted because her husband was deaf. Maybe she’ll have some ideas.
Thanks, Karey!
Lisa Schmidt recently posted..Totally Dependent on God
If people read these kind of blogs they need to give the comment on this how beautiful is this..!!!