Did you know that the deaf community in the Diocese of Orange has its own website? The site provides so many opportunities and meaningful insights that can be impactful to students and members of the deaf community alike. In our ASL classes, Fr. Scott Allen, who works in Deaf Ministries for the Diocese of Orange, came and shared on deaf culture and what the Diocese’s deaf community has to offer. He showed the students the many events, social groups, Mass readings and so much more that the website offers. Getting involved in the deaf community can not only look good on college resumes, but can also teach you very powerful life lessons.
Fr. Scott Allen shared social cues that the deaf use when speaking and signing. For example, they can tell if someone is lying based on the way they move their face, which can be a useful skill to know. He even shared a demonstration on how the deaf can understand what someone is signing by just feeling their hands. He demonstrated this with American Sign Language teacher Ms. Collado and had her sign something while he closed his eyes and held her hands. It was impressive to witness, and this shows just how innovative and resilient the deaf community is. Ms. C shared the reason for his visit and the information he shared with the students: “Fr. Scott Allen reached out on coming to visit all ASL classes. During his visit, he promoted deaf ministry and its growth in our county.”
The Diocese of Orange has this website available for many different countries and parts of the world. The opportunities are limitless. From volunteering at deaf masses to social events in San Diego and Los Angeles, anyone willing to participate in the deaf community can consider one of these opportunities. These experiences can show the importance of being inclusive in communication, insight into deaf culture and how important it is to be respectful and loving to all people.
Gabrielle Hermosillo ’28 shared her experience when Fr. Scott Allen paid ASL II’s class a visit: “When the priest first came into the room, only signing, it was difficult to pick up what he said; at times it was confusing, and that is exactly how some deaf people struggle every day. This priest gave us a new outlook on being disability inclusive– not just with things like wheelchairs. Being able to celebrate God and Mass is such an integral thing of everyday life, so for more people to have access is an amazing feat. All people deserve to have every opportunity to be open to them.”
Overall, the ASL students got to learn so much from this experience and felt transformed by Fr. Scott Allen’s visit. He shared on being inclusive in communication and how impactful it can be to volunteer in the deaf community. To get more involved in deaf ministries, be sure to visit the Catholic Deaf Community’s website: Catholic Deaf Community – OC Deaf Church – Deaf Ministry – Deaf Catholic Ministry » Catholic Deaf Community – OC Deaf Church – Deaf Ministry.
