This spring, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, will host the first-ever Eucharistic Congress for the Catholic Deaf community, a groundbreaking event aimed at fostering deeper faith and inclusivity for Deaf Catholics. Scheduled for April 4–6, the congress is expected to bring together approximately 230 Deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics to honor the Eucharist and strengthen their connection to the Church.
A Congress Designed for the Deaf Community
The congress is organized by Father Mike Depcik, one of the few Deaf Catholic priests in the world and a dedicated advocate for the Deaf Catholic community. Depcik, who serves as the chaplain for the Deaf ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, emphasized the need for greater accessibility to Catholic worship and sacraments for Deaf individuals.
“Several statistics have shown that 96% of Deaf people, including baptized Catholics, do not attend any church due to very limited services available to them in their own language (American Sign Language),” Depcik explained. While last year’s National Eucharistic Congress in Indiana included ASL interpreters, Depcik felt it was necessary to create an event exclusively focused on the Deaf Catholic community.
“This Deaf Eucharistic Congress is unique because it is designed by and for Deaf Catholics,” he told Catholic News Agency. “We hope that attendees will **feel inspired in their Catholic faith, gain a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist, and that this event will raise awareness among Church leaders about the needs of Deaf Catholics.”
The congress will welcome a diverse group of participants, including:
- Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind Catholics
- Hearing pastoral workers serving in Deaf ministry
- Hearing parents of Deaf children
A Historic Venue for Deaf Catholic Gatherings
The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has long been a gathering place for Deaf Catholics, frequently hosting ASL-accessible retreats and faith events. Located just 30 minutes from the Maryland School for the Deaf, the shrine has a deep connection to the Deaf community.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American saint, is remembered for her pioneering efforts in Catholic education and outreach, making the shrine a fitting location for this historic event. Visitors to the congress will have the opportunity to take ASL-guided tours of the shrine, including:
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s tomb
- A museum about her life and legacy
- Historical buildings and the basilica
Speakers and Events
The Eucharistic Congress will feature renowned Deaf Catholic speakers from across the country, including:
- Deacon Patrick Graybill – a retired professor known for his contributions to ASL poetry, acting, and English-ASL translation, presenting on “Eucharist: Holy Ground.”
- Jeannine Adkins – a representative from the National Catholic Office for the Deaf, speaking on “The Healing Power of the Eucharist.”
Attendees will travel from all over the United States, including from as far as California, Florida, and South Dakota.
A Weekend of Faith and Fellowship
The congress will offer a full weekend of spiritual engagement, including:
- Adoration, confessions, and Mass on Saturday, along with speaker presentations and fellowship time.
- A Sunday Mass with the local Deaf Catholic community in Urbana, Maryland.
This historic gathering marks a significant step forward in Deaf Catholic ministry, offering a space for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to fully engage with their faith, celebrate the Eucharist, and connect with a larger community of believers.
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