Deaf Ministry

Deaf Ministry at St. Timothy Catholic Church uses American Sign Language (ASL) to help provide full access to the Mass, the sacraments, religious education, and parish events for our deaf and hard-of-hearing parishioners who use sign language. The Deaf Ministry team includes our signing priest, Father John Greb, our Director of Deaf Ministry, Rene Scharber, as well as members of the St. Timothy Deaf Community and ASL interpreters.

Sunday Mass, ASL-Interpreted, 10 AM

An ASL-interpreted Mass is offered every Sunday at 10 AM. There are two interpreters—one to interpret the priest’s liturgical prayers, scripture readings, and homily, and the other, to lead the people’s responses, prayers, and songs in ASL. The first few pews on the lower level of the main floor (in front of the interpreters) are reserved for our deaf and hard-of-hearing parishioners and their families. There is also a hearing loop system that covers the entire section of pews on that side of the church.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Members of our Deaf Community may schedule Confession with Father John Greb by appointment (contact the parish office), or attend Reconciliation at the church as regularly scheduled. (See the times listed on the St. Timothy website or published in the Parish Bulletin.) For deaf individuals attending regular Reconciliation, please note that the priests’ names are posted outside each confessional. When Fr. John Greb is available, enter his confessional and greet him in ASL.

Holy Days of Obligation and Special Events

An ASL-interpreted Mass is offered on Holy Days; interpreted Mass times may vary.

Special events are also periodically presented, including Deaf Mass and Deaf Retreat. During Deaf Mass, Fr. John celebrates Mass in ASL and the lectors are members of our St. Timothy Deaf Community. During Deaf Retreat, a visiting deaf priest or a hearing priest who is fluent in ASL leads a religious retreat using American Sign Language.

Contact:
To receive up-to-date information regarding interpreted Mass times for Holy Days and notification of Deaf Community special events such as Deaf Mass and Deaf Retreat:

Rene Scharber at rjscharber@gmail.com

and ask to be added to the Catholic Deaf email list,

or contact Susan Garner by V/P at: (480) 347-0436.

ASL-interpreted Sacramental Preparation & RCIA Classes Arrangements may be made for preparation for the sacraments, as well as for classes for those who want to become members of the Catholic Church. See our Director of Deaf Ministry, Rene Scharber, for more information or for assistance with contacting the St. Timothy RCIA and Faith Formation Coordinator.

Volunteer Interpreter Opportunities

For those who wish to become volunteer ASL interpreters at Mass, we require adequate proficiency with American Sign Language and familiarity with deaf culture and Catholic liturgy. Regular attendance at the 10 AM Mass and involvement with our Deaf Catholic Community is strongly encouraged. See our Director of Deaf Ministry, Rene Scharber, for more information.

 

Links to Resources:

Fr. MD’s Kitchen Table
Father Mike Depcik’s vlog where he gives a weekly homily in ASL.

ASL Catholic Media – Facebook Group
ASL interpretation of Sunday readings each week, on Facebook.

The Bible: American Sign Language Version

Video of Catholic ASL vocabulary 
A Glossary for “Hands of Grace” by Fr. Séan Loomis
Free video with more than 50 Catholic Sacrament-related signs.

https://ncpd.org/resources_and_toolkits/saint-stories-asl
Stories of Jesus and saints told by Deaf performers in ASL. The free videos are also voiced and captioned.

https://archkck.org/deaf/asl-youcat/
Easy-to-understand free ASL videos that explain the Catholic faith and gives answers to faith questions, using the Catholic Youth Catechism.

National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD)
NCOD is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to pastoral ministry with deaf and hard of hearing persons.

International Catholic Deaf Association (ICDA)
ICDA is a non-profit membership organization promoting cultural, spiritual, and social union among deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics through the teachings and principles of the Catholic faith

Religious ASL Workshop (RASL)
Annual Religious ASL workshop sponsored by the Deaf Apostolate of the Diocese of Rockford, IL