On the 24th of January this year, precisely, on the feast day of St. Francis de Sales (Patron Saint of the Deaf), I marked my second-year anniversary as the Chaplain for the Deaf Ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Reflecting on these past two years fills my heart with gratitude, humility, and joy. What began as a call to serve the Deaf has become a shared journey of faith. One, shaped by hands that pray, faces that proclaim the Gospel, and a community that lives her faith boldly and beautifully.
From the start, this ministry has reminded me that Deaf ministry is not about “making space” for Deaf Catholics. It is about recognizing the space they already hold in the heart of the Church. Since the past two years, the Deaf Ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has been wonderfully active and alive. We have gathered regularly for Deaf accessible liturgies, retreats, adorations and prayer services, where worship is fully embodied and deeply communal. These celebrations have offered not only spiritual nourishment, but also a powerful reminder that the sacraments belong to everyone, in the fullness of their own language and identity.
On the area of Faith formation, we have made this as an integral part of our shared life both at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf and at the parishes where we have our masses in ASL. Bible reflections, catechetical gatherings, and discussions of faith and everyday life have allowed Deaf Catholics to engage more deeply with Scripture and Church teachings in ways that are accessible, visual, and meaningful. These moments of learning have often been accompanied by laughter, thoughtful questions, and the kind of insights that come only from lived experience.
Community-building has been at the heart of the ministry as well. Social gatherings, shared meals during our fellowships, Christmas parties, and other celebrations of milestones, have strengthened the relationship among the Dead and fostered a sense of belonging. These moments, sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous, have helped create a space where the Deaf now feel seen and supported both at homes and in their faith community.
Our Deaf pastoral care has significantly improved through additional masses, prayers, anointing of the sick, preparation for First Holy Communion and confessions. All these define the heart of our Deaf ministry.
Although two years have come and gone, I have continually reminded myself that I am a learner and God’s instrument in this ministry. As such, I am deeply grateful for the patience, encouragement, and good humor from the Deaf community as I continue to grow in language, cultural understanding, and pastoral presence.
As I continue to celebrate this second anniversary, I do so with sincere thanksgiving: to the Deaf community for their trust and partnership, to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for her commitment to inclusion, the Team at Respect Life office and to all who support and sustain this ministry in visible and unseen ways. This milestone is not simply a reflection on time, but a celebration of shared faith, active ministry, and a Church made richer through diversity.
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement for what is still to come. If these past two years have shown us anything, it is that God is very much at work in this ministry, moving through hands, faces, relationships, and lives. It is an honor to continue this journey together, growing in faith, community, and joy, spoken and signed.
Fr. Charles Onumaegbu
Chaplain, Deaf Ministry.