The new website for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has arrived.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) have last week launched the new website, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholic Ministry, via video conference.
The Emmanuel Centre and Catholic Ministry for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, based in Perth co-ordinated services in Perth that enabled those who attended (in Perth) to participate in the short liturgy and launch.
A number of participants who gathered at the Emmanuel Centre also helped to lead the virtual liturgy, which was broadcast nationally, including Chaplain Fr Paul Pitzen who proclaimed the reading vocally and via AUSLAN.
The service in Perth was well co-ordinated by a student currently on practical placement at the Emmanuel Centre, ensuring the digital technology is set up correctly.
In a statement released last week, the ACBC said the new website will encourage and challenge all to celebrate the beauty and strength of the Body of Christ by promoting participation and inclusion of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Catholic community.
The statement went on to say that the new website will be a call to create opportunities for participation and inclusion where everyone is valued, gifted and acknowledged.
The launch coincided with National Week of Deaf People, which took place from October 18 to 24.
The ACBC statement said the question for all of us is how do we welcome and encourage the full participation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the life of the Catholic Church in Australia?
“It is a major challenge for the Church to ensure that all people are included,” a spokesperson commented.
The statement then went on to reflect on the comments from hearing-impaired Catholics, who said they are grateful for added technology that can assist their hearing aid through induction coils and infrared systems to hear the Word of God and homilies in other churches.