Day of Celebrations Mass reaches out to deaf and disabled

“We are all connected by faith—it doesn’t matter if you are deaf, blind or not able to fully understand everything, faith resides in the heart,” Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey said at the Day of Celebrations Mass held to reach out to the deaf and disabled community in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

More than 200 deaf and disabled persons with their friends and families crowded into the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the Blessed John Paul II High School campus.

“Our religion is very complex, but it can be summed up by the Gospel of St. Paul, that if we believe in Christ, if we have faith we are doing precisely what Jesus wants us to do—to have faith and love one another—this is what we have in common,” Bishop Mulvey said.

Members of the Silent Angels sat in the front pews of the chapel. Although no one in this group could hear the music they signed to, they did not miss a beat and their signing was outstanding, Shannette Hoelscher, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator for Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, said. The Catholic Charities Office for Persons with a Disability sponsored the Mass. “No doubt they had faith in what they were doing,” Hoelscher said.

The Bishop’s message was especially fitting for those deaf and disabled who were first included in the ministry as a way to unite them to the Catholic Church. Even though parents are the primary teachers of their faith, many deaf Catholics have received very little faith formation from their family due to the inability of many hearing parents to effectively communicate with their deaf children.

“This is why it is imperative that the Catholic Church be aware of the needs of the deaf and disabled Catholics in our diocese. We must continue to bring the word of Christ to them in their own language and level of understanding.

Bishop Mulvey’s visit to the ministry was very important; it reassured the disabled community that the church is sensitive to their special needs,” Hoelscher said.

The Office for Persons with a Disability holds a weekly Sunday Mass for the deaf and a monthly Mass for the disabled at noon at the Immaculate Conception Chapel.

The Mass also honored Father David Walsh, CSsR who passed away in 2005, and worked hard to make it possible for the deaf to have interpreted Masses each Sunday, a practice which continues today. Without the Deaf and Disabled Ministry, many would have no place to regularly participate in the Mass and be united with other deaf and disabled people.

In addition to celebrating Mass each Sunday, many come for the fellowship experienced by events such as the annual “Father David Walsh’s Annual Summer Camp,” a three-day fun-filled religious experience for the deaf and disabled, Hoelscher said.
 
The Office for Persons with a Disability helps thousands of disabled people and their families with guidance, support and knowledge through education. The program provides area wide educational, spiritual and recreational programs for the hearing impaired, the deaf, the vision impaired, the blind, mentally challenged and those with a disability.

The program also focuses on providing special Masses for the disabled community, religious classes, social activities and home visits for all persons with disabilities in Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities. All services are provided in English, Spanish and Sign Language.

Religion classes for the deaf and disabled will begin in mid-September. If you know of any child or adult with a disability who has not received their sacraments call (361) 884-0651, ext. 226 or 227 or video phone (361) 237-1359.