FALMOUTH — An American Sign Language interpreter will be in attendance to sign three upcoming Catholic Masses at Holy Martyrs Church on 266 Foreside Road. The Masses, all on Saturdays, are set for March 15, April 19 and May 17 at 4 p.m. All are invited to join the Maine Catholic deaf community for a potluck supper after each Mass.

The interpreted Masses are part of the Diocese of Portland’s effort to enhance Catholic deaf ministry by supporting and encouraging deaf Catholics living in Maine.

“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 in their churches on the weekends.”

The goal of 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 dave.guthro@portlanddiocese.org.


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