Deaf Ministry

As we cultivate connections in Christ we continue to identify new ways to ensure that our parishes are place of welcome & care for all. We work with members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community so that they may worship, receive sacraments, minister to others, and fully participate in all aspects of parish life.

Mass ASL Interpreters

Des Moines

St. Catherine of Siena Student Center
1150 28th St., Des Moines, IA 50311

An ASL interpreter is present at the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass at St. Catherine of Siena.
Parishes with Assisted Listening Systems

The following parishes currently have assistive listening systems. Parishes are listed alphabetically by city and parish.

Ankeny

Our Lady's Immaculate Heart
510 E 1st St. Ankeny, IA 50021
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

Atlantic

Ss. Peter and Paul
106 West 6th St., Atlantic, IA 50022
Assistive listening system(s) available: Loop system

Audubon

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
116 E. Division St., Audubon, IA 50025
Assistive listening system(s) available: Loop system

Des Moines

All Saints Catholic Church
650 NE 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

St. Mary of Nazareth
4600 Meredith Dr., Des Moines 50310
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

St. Theresa Catholic Church
1230 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines, IA 50311
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

Indianola

St. Thomas Aquinas
210 S. Wesley St., Indianola, IA 50125
Assistive listening system(s) available: Loop system

Neola

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
308 4th St., Neola, IA 51559
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

Norwalk

St. John the Apostle
720 Orchard Hills Dr., Norwalk, IA 50211
Assistive listening system(s) available: Loop system

Waukee

St. Boniface
1200 S. Warrior Ln., Waukee, IA 50263
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

West Des Moines

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1627 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM system

St. Francis of Assisi
7075 Ashworth Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50266
Assistive listening system(s) available: FM & Wi-fi system 
Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Deaf Community

Below are best practice options for priests to make available to the Deaf community to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Diocese of Des Moines. These options can be offered based on what is available. If a priest fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) is not available, the person who is deaf should make the final decision based on their comfort level.

Download Best Practices

1. Finding a Priest Fluent in ASL

The most accessible, and preferred, method of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the person who is deaf is to celebrate the sacrament with a priest fluent in ASL so they can have direct communication with each other. For assistance in finding a priest fluent in ASL, please contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org.

2. Using Written Communication

If the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated with a priest who does not know ASL it is permitted to use written communication. The confessor will later physically destroy the written notes. The penitent is also free to retain them back to destroy them personally.

3. Reconciliation with an Interpreter

A third option is to have an interpreter present. The interpreter would need to be approved by the Bishop and instructed in the sacramental seal, which applies to them as much as it does the confessor, and authorized by the Diocese before serving in this capacity. The interpreter would voice for the person who is deaf and sign for the priest.

4. Emergency Situations

If the confession is requested in an emergency situation, such as prior to a medical procedure, and interpretive methods (notes or interpreter) are unavailable, general absolution may be given. If the individual also wishes to receive the Anointing of the Sick, having an ASL interpreter present provides ideal pastoral care.

ASL Resources

 

Incorporate ASL into your prayer life or learn how to interpret the Mass in ASL with these resources.

 

Prayers in ASL

For children with special needs, the development of speech, language, social, and emotional skills are enhanced through the use of sign language.

Religious Signs for Families

The Religious Signs for Families app is a delightful and engaging way to learn ASL using religious words that are not often found in other ASL apps.

Signing the Scriptures

Signing the Scriptures offers the interpreter a place to begin to develop his or her own way of interpreting the readings for the Mass.

The New Roman Missal for Interpreters

This playlist of videos walks interpreters through the parts of the Mass with ASL.

Faith Formation Resources

 

Learn more about the faith with these faith formation resources specifically designed for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.

 

ASL YOUCAT

This inspirational series reaches out to all of us with clear, easy to follow, true to church teaching, sharing of the YOUCAT.

Hands of Grace: The Catholic Sacraments in ASL

This program features video presentations in ASL, and a workbook that is designed with a visual emphasis to provide a better learning experience for the deaf & hard-of-hearing community.

Saint Stories

20 stories of the saints performed by Deaf Actors with prayers and reflections for teens and adults.

Strengthened in Faith: Confirmation

This Confirmation Sacramental Preparation Program in ASL created by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf is available for free to all members of NCOD.

National Catholic Office for the Deaf

The National Catholic Office for the Deaf is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to pastoral ministry with deaf and hard of hearing persons.