"There is no disadvatage at all of being deaf as a priest"

Deacon's Bench ^ | June 10, 2009

[NYer]

A couple weeks ago, I posted the item about Boston's new deaf priest. And recently the Religion News Service caught up with Fr. Shawn Carey to ask him a few questions about his singular vocation. They exchanged some Q&A emails with him. An excerpt:

Q: What was it like growing up as a deaf Catholic?

A: Back then, there were no (deaf) interpreters in the Catholic Church and in the Catholic schools. It was a frustrating journey, but I managed to overcome the obstacles. Today, more deaf Catholics can attend Masses and receive sacraments through deaf priests or hearing priests who knows how to use sign language. It is critical that deaf must have access to their spiritual needs, otherwise, they will be stranded on an island with no spiritual experience.

Q: A lot of priests talk about the time they first “heard the call.” What was that like for you, as someone who was born deaf?

A: The best way to describe my calling is that I have “witnessed” many calls from God through the people I ministered to during youth ministry, visits with deaf patients at hospitals and nursing homes, CCD, and many other programs. I recalled one “visual” call from God when a deaf resident at the New England Home for the Deaf told me that she sees me making a great priest. Through the help of frequent spiritual direction during my discernment, I then realized that God had revealed through this deaf resident. For people who are discerning whether they are being called or not, be sure to keep your eyes open for the revelations from God.

Q: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a deaf priest?

A: There are no disadvantages at all of being deaf for a priest. The hearing are able to see my signings during Mass at the same time they hear the voice-interpretation. The hearing parishioners really enjoyed a new experience in the sign-language Mass with voice-interpretation, and they look forward to more of my Masses. Being a deaf priest brings an exciting exposure to both the deaf and the hearing; I have always wanted to bridge the gap between them.

Q: What kind of adjustments do you have make to minister to the hearing, as well as to fellow deaf Catholics?

A: So far, I am able to minister to the hearing either one-on-one conversation through lip-reading and using my speech practices, or with a sign language interpreter. It is working so well! As for deaf Catholics, they see me as a reliable advocate for them in the church, in getting access for them to participate in liturgies and receive sacraments.

Check out the link for more.

[NYer]

I can think of one disadvantage - no confession behind a screen. God bless him in his ministry!

[bgill]

Or give everyone 8 Hail Marys.

[JPG]

Confession to a deaf priest. Whoa, Mama. Let the sinning begin.

[Jagman]

Can you imagine confession?

BLESS ME FATHER FOR I HAVE SINNED. IT HAS BEEN...

what?

...TWO WEEKS...

what?

[Retired Greyhound]

On the contrary, there are probably many advantages.

[AnAmericanMother]

No worse than my confession (mind you, my FIRST confession) to a religious order priest for whom English was NOT a first language . . . it was somewhat entertaining in hindsight, but very nerve-wracking at the time. It would have been completely impossible behind a screen . . .

[Last Dakotan]

It would have been completely impossible behind a screen . . .

Whad you do? Act out your sins like charades?

[Marysecretary]

We have a friend who is now 100 years old and was a deaf Episcopalian priest. He went all over the northeast ministering to the deaf in their homes because churches weren’t equipped to do that. What a dear and precious man he is. God has blessed him with long life and a glowing countenance.

[NYer]

Whad you do? Act out your sins like charades?

The screen allows for privacy. In more recent times, face to face confession has become more popular.

[NYer]

We have a friend who is now 100 years old and was a deaf Episcopalian priest. He went all over the northeast ministering to the deaf in their homes because churches weren’t equipped to do that.

What a beautiful testimony of faithful devotion to our faith! Thank you for sharing this.

[Chances Are]

Whad you do? Act out your sins like charades?

Here - show me that one again...

CA....

[AnAmericanMother]

No, but I had to speak very slowly and clearly, and watch his face to make sure he understood. And I waved my hands around a lot, but that’s just me.

[Marysecretary]

You’re welcome. His wife is also 100 years old. Amazing people.