Center for Deaf Ministries
Since its inception, the Archdiocese of Washington has taken to heart the statement issued by the American Catholic Bishop's Pastoral of 1978 by providing services to Deaf and hard of hearing Catholics and their families. The Center for Deaf Ministries strives to preserve Deaf Catholic Culture while celebrating the Deaf Person in the Life of the Church. The Center for Deaf Ministries in Landover Hills, MD houses St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Catholic Church which functions on a Parish Model. Because of the size of the Archdiocese there are also many parishes which offer interpreted services for the Deaf, but St. Francis serves as a "home" to all Deaf Catholics in the Archdiocese. All events at the Center for Deaf Ministries are offered in Sign Language. Gallaudet University has been served by the Archdiocese of Washington for more than 50 years. Gallaudet is the only liberal arts college for the Deaf in the world and as such is the seed bed for future Deaf Catholic leaders. Some examples of Deaf Ministry Programs currently running are:
- Sunday Signed Masses (PDF Schedule - Spring 2011)
- Weekday Signed Masses
- Interpreted Liturgies across the Archdiocese
- Pastoral Counseling
- Sign Language Interpreter Training
- Penance Services
- Weddings, Baptisms, Wakes and Funerals in Sign
- Lenten and Advent Services
- R.C.I.A. (Signed)
- Adult Formation
- Training Programs for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and catechists
- Retreats
- Social Activities/Special Events
- Pilgrimages for the Deaf
- Deaf Third Order Franciscan Fraternity
- ICDA Chapter #29 (International Catholic Deaf Association)
- Sacramental Preparation- Nationally Renowned Marriage Prep Program for the Deaf
- Children's Religious Education Programs
- The "Silent Witness" Newsletter
- Deaf/Blind Interpreting Services and SSP Services
For more information, contact the Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities at 301-853-4560.
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