ASL Mass in Newark NJ to be held regularly

An article about bringing Mass to the deaf in Newark, New Jersey is quoted in the blog The Deacon's Bench. A regularly scheduled ASL Sunday Mass will begin on September 7 at 1 p.m. at St. John's parish on Mulberry Street.

From the Catholic Advocate article:
The fact it will be an ASL Mass is significant. There is, Deacon Smith stressed, a major difference for the deaf community between an "interpreted" Mass and ASL Mass. At interpreted masses, which are celebrated throughout the archdiocese at a number of parishes and will continue in conjunction with the ASL Mass at Saint John's, what is being said by the priest is being conveyed to the Deaf in the pews by a third party-the sign language interpreter.

Unfortunately, Deacon Smith explained, "this is not direct participation in the Mass," as deaf people find it difficult to "completely focus on the actions and words of the priest, because they are trying to see and understand the ASL interpreter."

By contrast, a deaf person can participate fully in the Mass by following what the priest is signing in ASL. This represents a direct connection between parishioner and priest-no third-party interpreter. Instead of trying to keep up with the pace of English-the dominant "language" during an interpreted Mass-the prayers and readings of the liturgy at an ASL Mass are presented in a "pace and visual style that are more natural and understandable to the Deaf," he explained. The priest or presiding deacon leads the Mass and deaf Catholics will sign all the readings and petitions, as well as lead all the responses.

In addition to the use of hands to convey words and phrases, Deacon Smith said the nuances of body movement and facial expressions also are essential components of ASL communication. Although the signed Mass will be silent, Deacon Smith pointed out hearing people (family members and ASL students) are "always welcome" since there will be "voicing for the signing impaired."

Deacon Smith is "joyfully anticipating" the ASL Mass at Saint John's, stressing it will be "creating access to Sunday liturgy for a group of alienated Catholics." The program at Saint John represents a desperately needed outreach to serve the spiritual needs of hearing-impaired Catholics. Deacon Smith said only 2 percent of deaf Catholics worldwide attend church services.

To get directions to St. John's Roman Catholic church, here is the address information:

22 Mulberry St
Newark, NJ 07102