San Giuseppe Parish on Via Nomentana in Rome has welcomed deaf children into our catechesis groups with hearing children since 2008, striving to build an integrated faith formation program. Parents of deaf children asked us to do this—the parish sits near the state school campus of ISISS (the State Institute of Specialized Education for the Deaf) on the same street, where deaf and hearing children already learn together in an integrated program with equal opportunities.
A catechist works alongside a volunteer LIS (Italian Sign Language) assistant or interpreter, who signs all parts of each catechesis session.
We follow traditional faith formation paths, but we adapt them for deaf children. We use images extensively and create PowerPoint presentations to make visible the concepts that would otherwise remain abstract for them—too difficult even to sign (parables, sacrament explanations, truths of faith, and so on).
Our sessions move at a slower pace because deaf children also ask questions through the LIS assistant, who gives them voice. This creates natural pauses for interaction. The gift is that hearing children, once we explain what's happening, wait patiently and adjust to their rhythm.
For Sunday Mass, we've had Don Mario Teti for some years now—he coordinates Deaf Ministry for the Diocese of Rome—and he signs the 10:30 Mass, which deaf adults attend along with the children and their families.
We try to have a volunteer LIS assistant at other liturgies throughout the year as well.
So far, the families of deaf children have cooperated, though they don't always grasp that parish catechesis requires not just a catechist's professionalism and an LIS assistant's skill, but also willingness to engage and collaborate on their part.
Hearing families have had no trouble with integrated faith formation either. They've been welcoming and not afraid of difference.
When deafness combines with attention and learning delays, things become harder. In these cases we modify and adapt the faith path even further for each child. We use simple, clear images to convey our concepts, and we focus on hands-on experience—craft activities, lab-style work—though other children join in.
The effort is real, and results don't always match the work we put in. But our aim is to be instruments in God's hands. Through our welcome, we hope to make visible that love which comes from God. OL
Daniela Vinazza, 2018
One day, during a casual conversation after Sign Language class, my professor asked if I'd like to try something different—helping with catechesis at the parish next to the State Deaf Institute.
It was October 2014, and the seed was planted. I started by helping the professor, learning as I went, and soon began formal training as an LIS interpreter. Later I met a priest and a nun who both use LIS. There aren't many people who dedicate themselves to this work, especially sacrament preparation. Access to pastoral care—knowing and meeting the Lord—shouldn't depend on whether someone can afford a professional interpreter. After all, catechists are all volunteers regardless of which language they use.
My first experience preparing children for Confirmation was discussion-based. But when I worked with other catechists on First Communion preparation, my experience with deafness shaped how we ran things. We made the sessions accessible to everyone: fewer songs (though we used videos with subtitles when needed), more games, more worksheets—all those visual elements that Sign Language depends on. And without them, there's no real communication.
This approach let deaf children become real participants. Last year we learned an Zecchino d'Oro song and added signs at the chorus. This year we've moved on to "Santo" and "Alleluia," which we can use during Mass.
Watching the kids and catechists learn these songs was beautiful. The questions kept coming: "How do you sign God?" "How do you sign Holy?" "Why do I put my hand this way?" "It's amazing—I finally understand what this sign means." This work has truly moved me, enriched me, and brought me joy.
Arul Tresoldi
