PORTLAND — In the spirit of supporting and encouraging deaf Catholics living in Maine, the Diocese of Portland is asking for assistance in enhancing the Catholic Deaf Ministry in the state. No special training is necessary, just the desire to lend a helping hand in this initiative.

“The deaf community in Maine has a great need to be better served,” said Monsignor Charles Murphy, director of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Portland. “They have been an important part of the parishes where they live. The Diocese wants to reach out to the current and new generations of deaf people to make sure that their needs are being met in terms of having children baptized, catechized, and that they feel welcome at the Eucharistic services on the weekends in their churches.”

The goal of the Catholic Deaf Ministry in Maine is to assess the needs of the community and implement events, services and programs that will encourage deaf Catholics to be more active in their parishes; to share their gifts within the Catholic community and beyond; and to enjoy new communication, religious education and pastoral materials.

If you are interested in helping out, or know of a deaf Catholic who would benefit from this ministry, contact Dave Guthro, communications director for the Diocese of Portland, at 207-321-7810, or at [email protected].