Edmonton man will become Canada’s first deaf priest on Friday

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How can someone become a priest without the ability to perform all his priestly duties - one of which surely is to hear confessions anonymously if the penitent so chooses?
 
According to the article he will “hear” confessions, but only face to face. He reads lips and can speak. I wouldn’t have a problem with it b/c I’ve always confessed face to face. I’m sure there will be some who will. I guess another alternative would be to have a curtain with a cut out for the mouth. He wouldn’t see the face. Just as hearing Priests may recognize a voice, he would maybe recognize someones lips.
 
maltmom said:
According to the article he will “hear” confessions, but only face to face. He reads lips and can speak. I wouldn’t have a problem with it b/c I’ve always confessed face to face. I’m sure there will be some who will. I guess another alternative would be to have a curtain with a cut out for the mouth. He wouldn’t see the face. Just as hearing Priests may recognize a voice, he would maybe recognize someones lips.
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Canon law has a problem with it - penitents must have the option to confess anonymously, Canon law requires it.
 
I heard that the Archbishop is planning on assigning him to the Parish we have in the city that serves the deaf community - so he won’t be the sole priest there (so people still have the option of anonymous confession). Personally, I think it is a great opportunity for deaf Catholics to be able to say confession in sign language - it will bring a whole new depth of meaning to the sacrament for them. 🙂
The first time I met Deacon Matthew, I didn’t even know he was deaf, he communicates so well.
 
LilyM said:
Canon law has a problem with it - penitents must have the option to confess anonymously, Canon law requires it.
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I understand that. I just don’t see the difference b/t being behind a curtain with a cut out for the mouth being any different than my Priest recognizing my voice. In neither case is the face seen. I have a slight Cajun accent which is rare where I live. I’m sure my Priest would know immediately who I was in confession.
Daizies said:
I heard that the Archbishop is planning on assigning him to the Parish we have in the city that serves the deaf community - so he won’t be the sole priest there (so people still have the option of anonymous confession). Personally, I think it is a great opportunity for deaf Catholics to be able to say confession in sign language - it will bring a whole new depth of meaning to the sacrament for them. 🙂
The first time I met Deacon Matthew, I didn’t even know he was deaf, he communicates so well.
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I’m so happy for him and the deaf community. It shows the community that just b/c you are deaf doesn’t mean you can’t be who God calls you to be.
 
I find joy in the fact a priest will be able to serve the deaf community in such a way.

Mary.
 
Thank you for sharing this wonderful news Daizies

Congratulations to him and I will Pray for him.
 
LilyM said:
Canon law has a problem with it - penitents must have the option to confess anonymously, Canon law requires it.
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How is the canon law worded?

Because while it may be impossible for a person to confess to this specific priest anonymously, anonymous confession to another priest is still not impossible.
 
EWTN aired a program with this young man as he prepared for his ordination…A wonderful young man, the program was enlightening. Praise be to God! God calls who He wills. Thanks be to God.

Let us pray for all priests and for the stiff-necked in the congregation.

:highprayer:
 
LilyM said:
Canon law has a problem with it - penitents must have the option to confess anonymously, Canon law requires it.
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They would still have the option if another priest is available too.
 
Bill_Martin said:
They would still have the option if another priest is available too.
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That’s the rub - and that’s a hindrance in his ability to do his job.

Mind you, in times past priests have done their job without having faculties to even hear confessions at all, and otherwise it seems like he will be an excellent priest. I’d hire him 😉
 
I was thinking of posting this story if it wasn’t already here.

Fr. Matthew’s a great and smart guy. Edmonton’s lucky to have him.
 
Personally, I think it is a great opportunity for deaf Catholics to be able to say confession in sign language
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Yep. I have for some reason never seen or read anything about this particular need, ever. Makes perfect sense that at least a few priests in an area should be able to sign.

Re: confessing behind a screen. I do that . And, I can drive to another parish if for some reason Fr. can’t or won’t accommodate me.
 
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