| By Paula Day
The Silent Catholics of Georgia, a group of hearing impaired and hearing
persons involved with issues concerning deaf Catholics, sponsored a weekend on
deaf empowerment in late July.
Approximately 25 people attended the workshop at Corpus Christi Church in
Stone Mountain July 27 and the Eucharistic liturgy interpreted for the deaf at
Our Lady of the Assumption Church, in Atlanta July 28.
Father Rene Robert, OFM Conv., educator for the Florida School for the Deaf
and Blind, and southeast regional missionary for the National Catholic Office
for the Deaf, celebrated the Mass and led workshop discussions.
The Saturday sessions focused on two related issues: separating in the
Church, and exploring strategies for developing accessible services and a
deaf-Catholic parish in the archdiocese. A Saturday afternoon reconciliation
service offered the hearing impaired an opportunity to receive the sacrament of
penance.
Deaf people do not want to be labeled as handicapped, Father Robert pointed
out during the discussion on deafness versus handicapism in the Church. Rather,
they perceive themselves as having a different language and different culture
and want the hearing to also perceive them in that way.
The deaf belong to a culture comparable to ethnic cultures, such as the
Hispanic or Korean cultures, according to Father Robert. As a culture they have
gifts to be recognized and shared with the larger Catholic community. One such
gift is their sign language. Another is their need to incorporate other sensory
dimensions into religious services.
Participants at the workshop pinpointed strategies for developing a deaf
Catholic parish. The first step, one they have already accomplished, is forming
a faith community. The next is making that community visible to others, in
particular to those who make decisions in the local church. Father Robert urged
the group to invite Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, and other clergy, as well as
hearing Catholics, to their functions. “Rubbing shoulders” with one
another would help dissipate possible feelings of discomfort, he pointed out.
Silent Catholics of Georgia meet at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each
month for Mass and socializing at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1406
Hearst Drive in Atlanta. For further information, interested persons may call
261-7181 (V) or 446-8743 (TDD/V).
|
