By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Apr 8, 2025 / 11:31 am
Deaf Catholics from across the United States gathered in Maryland for a Eucharistic congress of their own — the first of its kind.
Held at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, April 4–6, the congress brought together more than 200 Catholics to pray and honor the Eucharist.
Inspired by the National Eucharistic Congress last summer in Indianapolis, the Deaf Catholic congress was centered on the Eucharist and featured opportunities for attendees to go to confession with signing priests.
There are fewer than 10 Deaf priests serving the entire Deaf Catholic population in the U.S. The Deaf community often distinguishes between being “culturally Deaf” (signified by the uppercase Deaf) versus losing hearing later in life.
Father Mike Depcik — one of those few priests — designed the congress to be entirely focused on the Deaf Catholic community.
The recent event showcased Deaf presenters and included adoration, Mass, confession, and fellowship, all conducted in sign language.
Research indicates that 96% of Deaf individuals refrain from attending church due to the limited availability of services in American Sign Language (ASL).
Sister Kathleen Monica Schipani, one of the organizers of the Deaf Eucharistic Congress, aimed to attract more members from the Deaf community across the United States.
Sister Kathleen, a dedicated member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary serving as the director of the Office of Persons with Disabilities and Deaf Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, emphasized the significance of a shared language.
During an interview with Julia Convery, an associate producer of EWTN’s “EWTN News Nightly,” Sister Kathleen pointed out, “The Deaf community, like us Catholics, seek connection and inspiration from individuals who speak their language, be it English or Spanish.”
“They desire to engage with each other, to pray together, and to express their faith in the language they hold dear,” she continued.
The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has harbored Deaf Catholics for various gatherings. The Seton Shrine often hosts retreats, including a Lenten retreat tailored for the Deaf community last year. Situated just a short distance from the K–8 Maryland School for the Deaf, the Seton Shrine serves as a welcoming venue.
Father Sean Loomis, a chaplain of the Deaf Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia fluent in American Sign Language, described the event as “incarnational.”
“ASL empowers the Deaf community to fully engage in interactions and embody their faith, making the theology of the Incarnation truly come alive,” Loomis shared with EWTN. “When they delve into the Gospels, the entire narrative takes on a new dimension.”
