Mission Statement

The Deaf Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet provides Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals liturgical, educational, and spiritual growth opportunities utilizing American Sign Language (ASL) to enable full participation in the life of the
Catholic Church.

Our Deaf parishioners live in many different communities, but come to the Church to embrace our faith and participate in liturgy and parish life in ways that may not be available in our neighborhood churches. The Deaf Ministry of the Diocese of Joliet covers seven counties: DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, and Will.

Programs and Services

All events for the Deaf Ministry in the Diocese of Joliet are offered in American Sign Language (ASL). Some examples of programs and services the Deaf Ministry offers include:

• Signed and interpreted Masses for the Deaf community across the Diocese of Joliet
• Religious Education Program in ASL
• Confession Services
• O.C.I.A. (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) in ASL
• Adult faith formation in ASL
• Sacramental preparations in ASL, such as baptism and marriage preparation
• Pastoral counseling in ASL
• Training programs for lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and catechists
• Social activities, special events and retreats
• Religious ASL workshops

Deaf Ministry hosts events throughout the year such as retreats, ASL classes for lay ministers, and interpreter workshops. If you would like to be added to a mailing list to receiving information about the Deaf Ministry, please email Renata Cichowicz at [email protected].

Board of Directors