On March 6, there was something special in the air at St. Rita School for the Deaf; a mix of excitement, pride, and joyful anticipation as Archbishop Robert Casey made his first official pastoral visit and celebrated a vibrant First Friday Mass with the students and the staff. This wasn’t just an ordinary school visit. It was a day that blended faith, learning, and inclusion in a way that truly reflects the heart of the community.
For many Catholics, First Friday is a special monthly tradition dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, focusing on love, compassion, and mercy. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and grow closer to Christ. At St. Rita, this tradition is carried out every month through the celebration of the Holy Mass in American Sign Language (ASL).
From the moment he arrived at the school compound, the smiling Archbishop Casey greeted the students and the staff and also engaged them in ways that made everyone feel seen and valued.
The highlight of the day was the First Friday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Casey and con-celebrated by the Chaplain for the Deaf, Fr. Charles. Every student and staff actively participated during the mass through the sign language. For those unfamiliar with Deaf culture, communication is more than sound. It’s all about connection, and on that day, that connection was strong. Adding to the visit and celebration, the students and the staff wore a matching green shirt featuring the uplifting message:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” …Philippians 4:13
The green shirts created a sense of unity and pride, turning the day into a joyful mix of school spirit and shared faith. While delivering his homily, Archbishop Casey reminded the students of how loving, compassionate, merciful God is and at the same time, advised them to emulate those attributes of God.
By visiting and celebrating Mass with the Deaf students, Archbishop Casey demonstrated what true inclusion looks like: not just inviting people in, but ensuring they can fully participate and belong. As part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, St. Rita continues to be a shining example of how faith and accessibility can go hand in hand.
While this was Archbishop Casey’s first time at St. Rita, it felt like the beginning of something lasting. The laughter, the learning, the shared moments of prayer, all pointed toward a growing connection between the archbishop and this vibrant community.
After the mass, Archbishop Casey, accompanied with the school President, the Principal, the Chaplain, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Board Chair of St. Rita toured the classrooms, greeted students, and experienced a firsthand of how learning takes place at St. Rita.
For the students, it was a day of excitement. For the staff, a moment of pride. For everyone present, it was a reminder that faith is stronger when it includes every voice spoken or signed. March 6 would be remembered at St. Rita not only as a special day, but as the beginning of a lasting bond between Archbishop Casey and St. Rita’s School for the Deaf, one built on faith, presence, and the shared language of love.
Fr. Charles Onumaegbu
Chaplain, Deaf Ministry