Deaf Ministry – Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

The mission of deaf ministry in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is to provide support and resources to parishes in order to offer Catholics who are deaf and hard of hearing the opportunity to grow in their faith as fully participating members in their parish. The ministry strives to support parishes in their effort to provide deaf and hard of hearing people spiritual growth in all aspects of the Church, to include: liturgy, catechesis, fellowship, prayer, and service to God and others

Goals

Assist parishes with identifying needs of deaf and hard of hearing people and plans to achieve accessibility goals.
Provide PSR classes to students attending Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville
Assist deaf and hard of hearing persons to realize God’s presence in their life through:

- Signed and interpreted liturgies
- Sacramental preparation
- Spiritual direction
- Retreats
- Cursillo and group reunions
- Arranging for interpreters for special occasions – baptisms, weddings, funerals and other events when requested

List of interpreted Masses

List of Masses in American Sign Language

Resources

National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD)
www.ncod.org
International Catholic Deaf Association (ICDA)
www.icda-us.org/
Fr. MD’s Kitchen Table
www.frmd.org/
Deaf Apostolate, Archdiocese of Boston
www.bostoncatholic.org/DeafApostolate.aspx
Deaf Apostolate, Diocese of Rockford (IL)
rockforddiocese.org/deafapostolate/
Religious ASL Workshop (RASL)
www.rockforddiocese.org/deafapostolate/raslweek
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
www.archmil.org/deafministry.htm
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org

Intepreters

We have requests for interpreted Masses and special occasions within the Diocese. If you know of someone who has sign skills and would be interested in signing for events, please have them contact the Office for Pro-Life Activities and Special Ministries.