Why ASL interpreters matter in our Catholic churches

by Jan DixonSpecial to The Leaven OLATHE — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is home to one of the largest deaf communities in the nation. Yet an estimated 95-99% of deaf individuals are unaffiliated with a church because they lack access to the liturgy and resources. For deaf Catholics, access begins with language. When American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is unavailable at Mass, deaf individuals are unable to participate fully in the liturgy. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are valuable tools, but they do not restore typical hearing or provide complete access to spoken language. Printed worship aids can help worshippers follow the prayers and readings, but they cannot replace understanding the homily, participating in the hymns or sharing in the moments that build parish community. David Westerman, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, understands that experience firsthand. “After I got married, I would go to Mass with my wife and was able to follow the Mass by reading the missal until it was time for the homily,” he said. “Then, I was out!” Faith formation depends on communication. Without language access, it becomes difficult to grow in understanding of the Catholic faith. Katie Locus, deaf ministry specialist for the archdiocese, recalled a deaf teenager in religious education who once asked, “Why does everyone bow their heads when the priest lifts up the bread?” Although the teen attended Mass faithfully each week with her family, she had never been given full access to understand what was happening at the altar or the church’s teaching on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Many deaf Catholics have even left the church over the years to worship in other Christian communities where ASL access is consistently available through signing pastors or ASL-fluent congregations. The Catholic Church is clear about its responsibility to its people. The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” teaches that the celebration of Mass should be planned so that the faithful may participate consciously, actively and fully according to their baptismal dignity. That vision includes ensuring that deaf Catholics have meaningful access to the liturgy. David Schekall, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, said having an interpreter transforms his experience of the Mass. “When an interpreter is not present, it is much harder to follow along with the communal prayers,” said Schekall. “I also cannot figure out what the music is to stay in tune with the rest of the congregation, and understanding the homily becomes a real battle. “When an interpreter is present, my access becomes clearer. I am able to fully understand the priest’s homily, follow along with the choir and gain a complete understanding of everything happening during the Mass.” The deaf Catholic community is alive and full of hope and continues to demonstrate a deep desire to grow in faith. “One member of our community is currently participating in diaconate formation — a beautiful witness that deaf Catholics are not only seeking to receive the faith but also to serve the church in leadership,” said Locus. At the same time, the dedicated group of ASL interpreters assembled by Sister Ann Albrecht in 1974 is dwindling as interpreters retire or relocate. The need for interpreters has never been greater. Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul, hopes more Catholics will consider serving. “We ask today, ‘How can deaf Catholics understand the Word of God unless someone interprets it to them?’ We need more ASL interpreters to help evangelize and proclaim the Good News to our brothers and sisters in the deaf community,” said Father Hermes. He urged those who are fluent or comfortable signing in ASL to consider serving as interpreters. Deaf ministry in the archdiocese provides formation, mentoring and ongoing support to interpreters and interpreters-in-training. To learn more about becoming an ASL interpreter, email Katie Locus at: [email protected].