Just a short post today since I am in the thick of exams…
Here at Lenoir Rhyne University, we have an extensive deaf community on campus. This means our worship services have interpreters who sign the service. Sometimes this is a paid professional, other times, just the campus pastor. Perhaps we shall save a discussion of signing the Mass for later on, but for now, let us think about what we can easily do.
Since deaf and hard of hearing parishioner lack the use of one of their senses, we should perhaps find ways to highlight the other four for them. Here are some ideas
Smell
Use incense
Taste
Offer communion every Sunday
Touch
Hug, shake hands, or kiss at the peace
Use a sprinkling rite at the beginning of Mass
See
Wear brightly colored vestments
Use brightly colored paraments
Use lots of symbols on vestments and paraments
Adorn the worship space with stained glass, icons, statues, paintings, et cetera
Celebrate Eucharist at a nave facing altar
These are just a few ideas on how to extend the worship experience for all, but especially for deaf Christians.
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