I celebrated Mass with the deaf community at Sacred Heart Parish in Newton on Sunday, with Sacred Heart’s pastor Father John J. Connelly and Father Hugh Macsherry, a Franciscan, who concelebrated with me. We had a full church.

Father Shawn Carey and Father Jeremy St. Martin, who both work in our deaf apostolate here in the archdiocese, were in Texas at a meeting organized by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf and so they could not participate at the Mass.

It was a wonderful experience to be a part of their liturgy, their worshipping community. Of course, for someone with hearing, one of the strangest things is not having the singing. One of the most moving things was the Prayer of the Faithful where several people in the community prayed for different intentions.

There was a young boy who prayed for the victims of Haiti, particularly those who were in the school for the deaf there who had had some contact with the school where he goes.

I was so impressed at the proficiency of the interpreters, particularly Trudy Schafer, who teaches at Northeastern University and who is an extraordinary asset to the community there.

Then, at the reception, they gave me a crucifix.

Marge Tucker, a member of the deaf Catholic community, 
presented me with the crucifix.

Until they pointed it out to me, I didn’t even notice that Christ is speaking in sign language from the cross, saying “I love you.”

By: Cardinal Seán | 2010/01/22 | Main | Trackback | Comments [RSS 2.0]

Some of the Responses to Celebrating Mass with the Catholic deaf community

Comments

1. Comment by Jim | 2010/01/26 at 14:48:44

   It was nice to see the pictures of Sacred Heart in Newton – where I grew up. Your Eminence might be surprised to learn that both Cardinal Spellman (1932-1939) and Cardinal Cushing (1939-1944) were pastors of Sacred Heart while they were Auxiliary Bishops in Boston. Later Auxiliary Bishop Eric MacKenzie (?-1969) was pastor. In 1936 Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli, later Pope Pius XII, visited Sacred Heart and stayed overnight in the rectory with Bishop Spellman eschewing the Cardinal’s Residence in Brighton and a stay with Cardinal O’Connell. So, the first person to become a Pope to visit Boston stayed at Sacred Heart.

   Perhaps you noticed the picture of Cardinal Pacelli, the commemorative plaque and ceremonial candle marking the event of his visit?

   Cordially,
   Jim

2. Lindsey
   Comment by Lindsey | 2010/01/26 at 19:21:21

   Dear Cardinal Sean,
   It was suprising that the Senate seat went to a Republican, since it has been a Democratic seat for so long but I’m sure that Scott Brown will do a great job.

   The crucifix you recieved is beautiful! I love the sign language, how clever!

   The nurses and doctors who volunteered to go Haiti are very brave and thoughtful. It is a very noble thing to do and I will keep them and the people of Haiti in my prayers.

   Lindsey
   Grade 8
   Saint Paul School

3. Nikki
   Comment by Nikki | 2010/01/27 at 13:34:45

   Dear Cardinal Sean,
   I loved your blog this week! It was very interesting. I am sorry for the loss of Father Joe McGlone. May he rest in peace.
   The crucifix was very pretty, and I loved how Jesus was saying ‘I love you!’ I cannot wait until next week’s blog!

   -Nikki
   Saint Paul School
   Grade

4. Deirdre
   Comment by Deirdre | 2010/01/27 at 13:35:40

   Dear Cardinal Sean,

   This week’s blog was awesome! I think that is so great how the crucifix had Jesus saying “I Love You” in sign language! It is also great that 75 people volunteered to work in the hospitals in Haiti.

   I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Father Joe McGlone. I will be sure to pray for him and the victims of Haiti.

   -Deirdre
   Saint Paul School
   Grade 8

5. Mackenzie
   Comment by Mackenzie | 2010/01/27 at 13:40:10

   Dear Cardinal Sean,
   I want to say that I am very sorry for the death of Father Joe McGLone. Also, I am very happy to see that you have celebrated mass with the deaf community of Sacred Heart Parish in Newton. Finally, I would like to comment on how wonderful I think it is that volunteers from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital went to Haiti to help our brothers and sisters. Please keep praying for them as i will. God bless.

   Sincerely,
   Mackenzie
   Saint Paul School, Hingham

6. Caroline
   Comment by Caroline | 2010/01/27 at 13:43:04

   Dear Cardinal Sean,

   I am very sorry to hear about Father Joe McGlone. The blog that you celebrated with the deaf community at Sacred Heart Parish was very nice. I am happy to see that volunteer medical personnel from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital went to Haiti. Thank you for your wonderful blog!

   Caroline
   St Paul School
   Grade 8