By Kate Slosar
Each of the dioceses in New Jersey has interpreted Masses. Here in Camden, we are blessed to have interpreted Masses but also a Deaf Mass every Sunday.
Father Hugh Bradley is learning the signs for the Mass. Each Sunday, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Saviour in Westmont (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish), almost the entire Mass is signed by Father Hugh in ASL and it is voice interpreted for hearing members of the congregation.
A simple PowerPoint presentation helps the Deaf members focus on the readings and all of the participants in the Mass are Deaf. There are Deaf greeters, Deaf lectors, Deaf responders, Deaf altar servers and the offertory procession is composed of Deaf persons.
These Sunday Masses are a true experience of “full and active participation” by Deaf members of the church. After Mass each Sunday, we also have a social as well as Deaf adult faith formation, with a little help from a Deaf Vlog, (visual blog) featuring the Sunday homily of a Deaf priest. The lively discussion that follows the Vlog is conducted in ASL.
Deaf members of the church are excited to continue the celebration at the social and in an even deeper way through the discussion of the homily which connects to their everyday life.
Ministry With the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities is supported by the House of Charity — Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
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