What an amazing day! On Saturday 26th September we celebrated a story which started back in 1976 and continues to this day, the story of the Deaf Community and what they have contributed to the Diocese of Westminster since the Deaf Service officially became a diocesan agency. Deaf people have been coming to Westminster Cathedral since before the second World War, probably longer, but it was in 1976 that “Ephphatha” headed by Fr Peter Sharp, began its journey.
From Ephphatha, to Social and Pastoral Action, to Westminster Diocese Deaf Service and since 2012 Caritas Deaf Service, there have been a few names, and similarly a few different logos, but our mission has remained the same: to serve the Deaf Community; to make the Catholic faith accessible to those who are Deaf or hard of hearing; to raise awareness of the skills and talents of the Deaf Community throughout the Diocese and beyond; and to ensure that churches know how to fully include Deaf people in parish life.
“Welcome to this Church which is your home.” were the words of Bishop Konstant back in 1978. This time is was Bishop Paul McAleenan who welcomed the Deaf Community for this celebration. Bishop Paul was joined by Canon Shaun Lennard, Canon Norbert Fernandes, Fr Keith Stoakes and Fr Paul Fletcher SJ who together all concelebrated in sign language this anniversary Mass, We were delighted to also be joined by Fr Peter Sharp, Mgr Vladimir Felzmann and Fr Robin Ellwood who joined the congregation. We are truly blessed to have so many clergy supporting our mission.
Canon Norbert Fernandes in his homily reflected on some of the many events that have taken place over the years, a signed Mass in St Mark’s Basilica, Venice, where passing tourists were moved seeing the Deaf Community signing the readings and hymns, the canal boat trip where a peaceful reflective day was enjoyed by all as we slowly meandered down the River Stort enjoying the nature we saw all around us, and the fun we experienced in the evenings in Avignon. Canon Norbert reminded us of the St John Henry Newman’s motto Cor ad cor loquitur, Hearts speaks unto Heart and how important the regulary monthly signed Mass is, it is a true gathering in love as the Deaf Community catch up with each other, hearts speaking to hearts, sharing in the sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist and in the social gathering after the Mass has concluded.
After a moving Mass we moved round to the Cathedral Hall for a celebration with fun and laughter, a display of our history over the past 50 years, and wonderful buffet and some truly scrumpious cup cakes. Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the day in whatever way you were involved.
“Beautiful service at Westminster Cathedral …lovely to see all the old friends. Heartiest congratulations to Caritas Deaf Service”
“Wonderful joyful happy ceremony of 50 years service within London. Congratulations on a superb celebration!”
“I enjoyed the impressive Celebration Mass. I was amused by Canon Norbert’s homily. I was amazed with the generous buffet and decorations which no doubt made an impact on all the people here. Thanks very much for the Mass, buffett and such lovely decorations”
“Thanks for a wonderful celebration … a truly great day!”
For more information on Caritas Deaf Service please contact one of the team. Our details can be found on our webpage: https://www.caritaswestminster.org.uk/deafservice
