The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is launching a new website, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholic Ministry, via video conference on Thursday 22 October 2015.
The launch will begin at 2pm with a short liturgy in Auslan; Australian sign language. During the 30 minute launch, there will also be live captioning.
You can experience the event from any location in Australia as long as you have a computer or tablet with internet connection. Register to join the launch at: deafministry.catholic.org.au
This website, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholic Ministry, will encourage and challenge all of us to celebrate the beauty and strength of the Body of Christ by promoting participation and inclusion of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholic community. It will be a call to create opportunities for participation and inclusion where everyone is valued, gifted and acknowledged.The launch coincides with National Week of Deaf People, which runs from 18-24 October.
Did you know that there are at least 2,500 Deaf Catholics in Australia who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their first language?
The question for all of us is; how do we welcome and encourage the full participation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the life of the Catholic Church in Australia?
It is a major challenge for the Church to ensure that all people are included. One Catholic with hearing loss reported, ‘I am grateful for added technology that can assist my hearing aid through induction coils and infrared systems to hear the Word of God and homilies in other Churches. This means I can go into a looped cathedral or church and fully participate in the Mass or other service provided.’
‘Most importantly, it enables me to hear the Word of God which is important to faith development and knowledge of God. The Church community can continue to strive to help Deaf and hearing impaired persons by: recognising and acknowledging them at Mass and at parish activities; provide a loop system in each church and meeting room; encourage them to be part of parish activities; talk to them even if it means using pen and paper’.
The new website will be a reference point for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholics, their families, parishes, schools, church agencies and diocesan personnel.
Please join us for the launch by registering your interest via our sign up page at catholic.org.au. We will send you an email with a link for the video conference. You will be able to participate from anywhere in the world as long as you have a computer and good internet connection.
Visit the official webpage: deafministry.catholic.org.au