Deaf Ministry
Signed and Interpreted Mass Schedule
Faith Formation
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28:19–20
We are diverse Catholics united in Christ. We follow the gospel's call, live out our faith, and share our lives in services to others.
K-12 Formation
We offer religious education to all Deaf children in kindergarten to eighth grade through the REACH Program at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville. Classes are taught in American Sign Language (ASL) so the students have full access to learning and understanding the Bible and living their faith that will serve them throughout life. Interested in K–12 formation for your child/ren? Contact Renata Cichowicz at [email protected].
Adult Formation
Religious education is no longer just for children; adults must also be nourished, challenged, and supported. Are you ready to discover more, or to develop your faith? Do you want to deepen your relationship with Jesus and our community? If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or in completing the Sacraments of Initiation as an adult, you can find out about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) by emailing Renata Cichowicz at [email protected].
Bible Study
We offer Bible Study sessions for Deaf Catholics. We will focus on different Bible stories from both theOld and New Testaments in ASL for a beter undersanding of the Bible and how it applies to our daily lives.
Deaf Ministry Sacramental Preparation
Deaf Ministry provides support to parishes by providing formation in American sign Language (ASL) in order to provide persons with hearing loss full access to the Catholic Faith
Our ministry goal is to follow Jesus's example and continue His earthly ministry of bringing healing and salvation to all, but in a special way to the people we serve. In addition to signed and interpreted Sunday Masses in ASL, the Deaf Ministry workswith parishes to provide complete sacramental access:
- Religous Education for K-12 Deaf or hearing children from Deaf parents (First Communion/Confirmation)
- Classes for Baptisms
- Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
- Pre-Cana (wedding) courses
- Individual and couple pastoral counseling
- Adult O.C.I.A. sessions
- Ministerial/Eucharstic volunteer training
- Signed wake and funeral liturgies (click here to request an interpreter)