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Dozens of deaf Catholics from the Northeast gathered at a retreat center in New Jersey from April 25 to 27 for a weekend of spiritual growth, fellowship, and sacramental grace.
Co-hosted by VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the retreat at Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center in Stone Harbor was designed to serve a group often overlooked in parish life, the Catholic Star Herald reported. It was centered on the theme “Mary and the Resurrection” and included presentations, community prayer, Mass in American Sign Language (ASL), and the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Father Joseph Bruce, SJ, a deaf priest and founder of the Deaf Catholic Archives at the College of the Holy Cross, led the retreat and offered presentations focused on faith and deaf identity. According to the Star Herald, Fr. Bruce spoke about the need for greater visibility and outreach to the deaf community within the Catholic Church, noting the deaf community is often overlooked.
“I think it’s because the deaf aren’t visible,” Father Bruce said. “You can’t see deafness, so sometimes it’s out of mind.”
Fr. Bruce shared reflections on Scripture at the retreat, encouraging attendees to see the psalms as deeply personal prayers.
“The Scriptures, we know, are God’s Word,” he said. “We all agree on that. But for me, the psalms are my words to God because I feel like the psalms are expressing my thoughts.”
Among the attendees was Thomas Stankard, 77, a parishioner at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, New Jersey, and a founding member of the diocesan ministry with the deaf. He has spent 43 years signing readings at Mass and organizing events for deaf Catholics.
“I’m learning about the joyfulness of Eastertime and to really understand the Scripture readings,” Stankard shared. “Sometimes, I can’t understand Scripture without a bit of help to go more deeply. I love meeting new Catholic people, and I enjoy the feedback and conversation. It makes me more connected to my faith.”
In the US, an estimated 2 million Catholics identify as deaf and another 7.5 million experience hearing loss. Many parishes lack the resources or awareness to serve them adequately, which can result in isolation.
Fr. Bruce stated that baptized Christians have the right to access sacraments, adding that he hopes to see more diversity in the Church. He also believes it is the pastor’s job to reach out to deaf Catholics.
Fr. Bruce encouraged hearing Catholics to take active steps toward inclusivity, advising them to take ASL courses, learn more about deafness, and become friends with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
