The harvest is indeed great, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Owner of the harvest, so that He will send laborers into His harvest. (Cf. Mt. 9,37-38; Lk 10-2). These are the “ipsissima verba” (exact words) and the humble appeal of Jesus in the Scripture. January 24th, 2024, on the memorial of St. Francis de Sales (Patron Saint of the Deaf), I left Rome to take up the role of the Chaplain for the Deaf ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, a journey that took the whole day to be completed. Reflecting on how the airport taxi driver took me to the wrong address and later in that week, how I was taken to the emergency room because of stomach upset, all form part of my mission. How time flies so fast as I sit and reflect on the past 12 months as the chaplain for the Deaf, my personal experience, areas that have improved since my arrival, and areas that need to be improved.
It has been a year of remarkable transformation and restoration for the Deaf ministry within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Prior to my arrival as the chaplain, the Deaf community felt disconnected and isolated from the church probably because of the demise of the former Chaplain, Fr. William Wysong. However, through tireless dedication and unwavering passion for the Deaf, we have worked tirelessly to re-engage the Deaf and rekindle their deep-rooted ties to the faith both at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf and at St. Christopher Church, Vandalia where we have a Deaf community in Dayton. The re-establishment of regular religious education, sacramental celebrations, and community gatherings has reignited a profound sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment among the Deaf. For example, at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf, we have revived a thriving Sunday catechism, frequent confessions, an 11 am Sunday mass, monthly First Friday masses, holy day observances, a Friday noon mass for Catholic staff, monthly campus ministry meetings, and robust sacrament preparation. Over at St. Christopher Church in Vandalia, we have seen a surge in Deaf attendance at the weekend catechism, reconciliation, Saturday 3 pm ASL mass, and monthly Deaf community meetings. While challenges remain in reaching even more Deaf individuals and drawing them back to the Church, I can beat my chest and say that the past year has been remarkable growth and renewal. As the Deaf ministry continues to flourish, my unwavering commitment is to build upon this progress and ensure the ongoing spiritual vitality and sense of belonging for this incredible community. It has been a true privilege to serve as their chaplain.
Fr. Charles Onumaegbu
