Deaf Mass

[papaspicy]

Another random question:

Today, while we were in church I noticed a man using sign language to translate for the person sitting next to them. I hadn’t seen either of them at our church before, and I assume they were visiting or typically go to the vigil or something. As usual, my mind began to wander during an abnormally long pause after the homily.

So my question is this: In large cities, do they have entire masses set up for deaf people? Can a priest sign the mass instead of speaking it allowed, or must it be spoken, particularly the words of consecration? Just wondering.

Pax

 

[Spirithound]

Another random question:

Today, while we were in church I noticed a man using sign language to translate for the person sitting next to them. I hadn’t seen either of them at our church before, and I assume they were visiting or typically go to the vigil or something. As usual, my mind began to wander during an abnormally long pause after the homily.

So my question is this: In large cities, do they have entire masses set up for deaf people? Can a priest sign the mass instead of speaking it allowed, or must it be spoken, particularly the words of consecration?

There is, as yet no translation of the Mass into American Sign Language. I’m sure for pastoral reasons, ie, one or more deaf people in the congregation, the priest could Sign the Mass, but I recall reading that current theological opinion leans towards the Words of Consecration at least being spoken out loud (but again, perhaps accompanied by Sign).

 

[SenorSalsa]

Certainly the liturgy of the Word could be signed as it was spoken

The problem with the Eucharistic prayer would be that you could not sign and take the host or chalice in your hand at the same time.

 

[puzzleannie]

yes large, small and medium size cities and parishes have Mass with ASL interpreters who stand where the deaf parishioners can see both the altar and the priest and the intepreter (that arrangement makes it easier to understand and fully participate at Mass, according to those who do the ministry here). there are prepared aids the interpreter can study before hand on the scriptures and parts of the Mass. It is exhausting so usually two interpreters share this work. We are blessed here becaues these people are also the catechists for the deaf CCD classes, and are also their classroom teachers in the regional public school where they are bussed. We also have a core group who will come to interpret for individuals or families when requested, at any of the surrounding parishes.

 

[CB_Catholic]

In my parish we provide this interpretive service at a particular Mass each Sunday. Those who are deaf sit in a up front in a side section where the altar is easily visible and the interpreter signs the Mass including the homily, also the parts of the Mass that are sung, such as the Gospel Acclamation, etc. Annie is right, it looks like an exhausting job. These interpreters have to be commended for their service.

 

[lizaanne]

At the installation of our Archbishop a little over a year ago there was a woman signing the Mass. Not sure if they do this all the time at the Cathedral, but for this very special Mass they did.

~Liza

 

[Catholic1954]

My diocese is blessed with a deaf priest and we have a Mass for the deaf every month. Father speaks and signs at the same time. In my parish, we have a hearing Mom and deaf adult son who are very involved in our activities. She signs the Mass as Father speaks and they both sign the responses.

 

[choy]

There is, as yet no translation of the Mass into American Sign Language. I’m sure for pastoral reasons, ie, one or more deaf people in the congregation, the priest could Sign the Mass, but I recall reading that current theological opinion leans towards the Words of Consecration at least being spoken out loud (but again, perhaps accompanied by Sign).

American sign language? i thought sign language was universal?

and as for concecration, i think its impossible to sign it and hold and raise the body and blood of Christ at the same time

i used to go to a school that has a program for deaf students but i forgot what they do for the deaf for mass.

 

[choy]

My diocese is blessed with a deaf priest and we have a Mass for the deaf every month. Father speaks and signs at the same time. In my parish, we have a hearing Mom and deaf adult son who are very involved in our activities. She signs the Mass as Father speaks and they both sign the responses.

i think its valid that a lay interpreter sign the mass for the hearing impaired. the interpreter is not celebrating the mass anyway

 

[Spirithound]

American sign language? i thought sign language was universal?

and as for concecration, i think its impossible to sign it and hold and raise the body and blood of Christ at the same time

i used to go to a school that has a program for deaf students but i forgot what they do for the deaf for mass.

No, there is no universal sign language. ASL seems to be the most popular.

As for the consecration, only one Host is touched by the priest and yet all are consecrated, so I don’t think physical contact is a matter of validity.

 

[marytk]

I have been to ASL Masses.
Sign language isn’t universal. In fact British Sign Language is different from American S.L. ASL has it roots in French since it was brought here by a French monk.
I was at a Mass said by a deaf Scottish Priest. He said the Mass in ASL but asked for patience since he was use to BSL.

 

[Spirithound]

I have been to ASL Masses.
Sign language isn’t universal. In fact British Sign Language is different from American S.L. ASL has it roots in French since it was brought here by a French monk.
I was at a Mass said by a deaf Scottish Priest. He said the Mass in ASL but asked for patience since he was use to BSL.

Did he speak the words of consecration orally?