This past weekend, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, hosted a groundbreaking event for Deaf Catholics.
Over 200 individuals, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants from 25 states and two countries, came together for the first-ever Deaf Eucharistic Congress.
For Mark Rosing, who has been deaf for most of his life, this gathering offered an opportunity to experience Mass and sacraments in a way that truly resonated with him.
Alongside his wife, Kathleen, Mark joined the event and found himself surrounded by a community that, until now, had been hard to access due to communication barriers in traditional church services.
An ASL-Centered Experience for Deaf Catholics
The congress was a unique experience that aimed to bridge the gap for Deaf Catholics who often struggle to understand Mass due to the lack of sign language accessibility.
The event was led entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), making it more inclusive for participants like Mark, who relies on ASL to understand his faith.
The attendees participated in Mass, confession, and lectures, all of which were delivered in ASL by 11 priests who were either Deaf, hard of hearing, or fluent in sign language.
For Mark, it was an eye-opening experience to have the liturgy fully accessible in a language he understands, something that’s unfortunately not common for many Deaf Catholics.
A Shared Faith and a New Kind of Understanding
The congress highlighted not just the religious importance of the Eucharist, but also the power of community.
Mark and Kathleen recalled the opening talk given by Father Mike Depcik, a Deaf priest, who shared how the struggles of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton mirrored those of the Deaf Catholic community.
Kathleen reflected on how, just as Seton faced hardships, Deaf Catholics too experience challenges, such as being rejected or excluded from church services because of the language barrier.
“Some parishes just don’t provide services,” she said, noting that this leaves many feeling isolated, much like the difficulties Seton faced during her life.
A Personal Perspective on the Eucharist and Faith
For Mark, the Eucharist has always been the core of his Catholic faith, even though he struggles to follow homilies. As a child, he once told his father that he couldn’t hear what was being said during Mass, and his father’s response stuck with him:
“What’s the most important thing in the Mass when we go?” It was at that moment Mark understood that the Eucharist was the most significant part of the Mass.
Now, he prepares for Mass by reviewing the readings beforehand, so he can still absorb what he can from the homily.
Despite the difficulty in hearing, Mark focuses on what truly matters—receiving the Body of Christ and deepening his connection with Jesus.
Looking to the Future of Deaf Catholic Ministry
While it’s unclear whether another Deaf Eucharistic Congress will take place, there’s a palpable sense of hope within the Deaf Catholic community.
Mark noted that there’s a growing demand for more accessible services, as many Deaf Catholics in the U.S.
lack access to Mass and other sacraments due to a shortage of priests who know ASL.
For Mark and Kathleen, the congress marked an important step in the journey toward more inclusive religious services.
“There’s a cry of the poor,” Mark said, referring to the Deaf community’s hunger for a deeper connection with their faith.
A Long Road Ahead for Deaf Catholics
Mark and Kathleen’s experience at the congress was a reminder that while progress is being made, there is still much to be done for Deaf Catholics to fully participate in church life.
Many parishes still lack the resources to provide services in ASL, leaving Deaf Catholics feeling alienated.
For Mark, this event was just the beginning of a much-needed movement for greater inclusion and recognition of Deaf Catholics in the Church.