OUR MISSION
The mission of our Deaf Ministry is to serve the spiritual needs of all Deaf Catholics and their families, developing a personal, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ in American Sign Language (ASL) and be fully involved in the life of the Church as one whole family in Christ throughout the seven counties of the Joliet Diocese.
THE OFFICE OF DEAF MINISTRY SEEKS TO
Assist persons deaf, hard of hearing or deaf plus in realizing God's presence in their lives through:
- Signed and interpreted liturgies
- Sacramental preparation - Spiritual direction - Annual retreats - Arranging interpreters for special occassions -- baptisms, weddings, funerals and other events when requested. |
Provide ongoing educational opportunities through:
- Adult / Youth Religious Education
- Bible Study Group - Rite of Christian Initiation - Assistance to teachers and/or parents of deaf students involved in parish programs. |
Provide support and assistance through:
- Pastoral visitation to homes
- Pastoral counseling - Support and referral services - Visitation to the sick, shut-ins and hospitalized - Deaf Ministry website - Awareness programs about deafness and other disabilites - Workshops on ASL religious signs - Service to late-deafened adults - Resource Center - Advocacy at Diocesan and parish levels - Retreats |
REQUEST AN INTERPRETER
Our Deaf Ministry of the Joliet Diocese can assist in providing ASL interpreters for the Deaf Parishioners at any
Sacramental Events (Baptism, First Communion, Marriage, Funeral Mass, etc). Currently, we have some ASL
Diocesan interpreters who will be able to do their interpreting job; if no one is available, we can help you contact
a local interpreting services agency.
To request an interpreter, preferrably 2 WEEKS in advance, please click on the button or contact
Renata Cichowicz, our Pastoral Outreach Lead, at 815-221-6245 (V) or email rcichowicz@dioceseofjoliet.org
Our Deaf Ministry of the Joliet Diocese can assist in providing ASL interpreters for the Deaf Parishioners at any
Sacramental Events (Baptism, First Communion, Marriage, Funeral Mass, etc). Currently, we have some ASL
Diocesan interpreters who will be able to do their interpreting job; if no one is available, we can help you contact
a local interpreting services agency.
To request an interpreter, preferrably 2 WEEKS in advance, please click on the button or contact
Renata Cichowicz, our Pastoral Outreach Lead, at 815-221-6245 (V) or email rcichowicz@dioceseofjoliet.org
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 our Mass and involvement with our Deaf Catholic Community is strongly encouraged. See our Pastoral Outreach Lead, Renata Cichowicz,
for more information.
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 our Mass and involvement with our Deaf Catholic Community is strongly encouraged. See our Pastoral Outreach Lead, Renata Cichowicz,
for more information.
GET IN TOUCH
|