Once a month, masses at St. Pius X Church on 310 Westfield Street in Middletown are being interpreted into American Sign Language. Father Don Bosco, who was a parish priest at St. Pius X when "deaf masses" were a regular feature at parishes throughout the diocese, expressed enthusiasm that these were resuming.
"I am happy at the signing," he said after serving as priest during the mass on November 17th at which the signing, conducted by ASL Interpreter and St. Pius X parishioner, Sue Mangiameli, was piloted. "I hope people will come and sit up front so they can see her signing and can sign back in prayer."
This initiative is one of many coordinated by the Rolling Deck Ministry at St. Pius X church. Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, RDM works collaboratively with parish leadership, other ministries, individuals and families affected by disability, and our church membership to explore our own humanity and to facilitate meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of our church community.
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For example, RDM works with the faith formation office to assure children and youth with disabilities can participate in catechesis with support if they need it and receive the sacraments at the same time as others their age do. As another example, RDM also has arranged for parishioners who cannot walk easily up to the altar to have a Eucharistic minister deliver communion to where they are seated.
The monthly deaf mass is on the THIRD SUNDAY of every month at the 10:30 a.m. service.
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Father John Gallagher, Pastor, welcomes everyone into the St. Pius X community and sees having a signed mass as just another way to be welcoming. "This is necessary. It’s what you do," he said.
For more information, contact Linda Rammler at 860-338-0165 or lindarwc@comcast.net or call the friary office at 860-347-4441
