The National Week of Deaf People (23-29 September) encourages all Australians to recognise and celebrate the gifts which deaf people bring to the world. In the Diocese of Parramatta, the Ephpheta Centre and St Paul the Apostle Catholic Parish in Winston Hills celebrate monthly inclusive Masses for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Held on the third Sunday of each month, the dedicated Masses include an Auslan translation service, hearing loops in the Church, as well as visual aids to assist with Mass participation.
In doing so, these specialised Masses support liturgical participation among the deaf community, cultivating a sense of belonging and supporting an inclusive, accessible environment…
Fr John Paul Escarlan with Auslan interpreter Melissa Smith sharing the Gospel with parishioners at St Paul the Apostle, Winston Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
St Paul the Apostle Parish Priest Fr John Paul Escarlan works closely with the Ephpheta Centre – the Catholic Centre for people who are deaf or hard of hearing – to provide inclusive Masses at the parish that attract people far and wide.
“It is important for deaf people to fully participate in the Mass,” Fr John Paul said.
“It’s equally important for people who are deaf to worship God in their own language – Auslan – when they come here.”
Fr John Paul said the inclusive Masses support the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan to become “a synodal Church that walks together”
“I want everyone to feel welcome here, to feel a sense of belonging,” he said.
Parishioners actively participating in worship and praying in Auslan. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Ephpheta Centre manager of community relations, Christiane ‘Chrisso’ Quartararo lost her hearing as a teenager. She said the inclusive Masses are vital to establishing connections and helping people with disabilities overcome daily challenges and feel supported.
“Growing up, I didn’t have access to Mass in Auslan,” she said.
“I would watch the priest moving his lips, but I couldn’t understand what was being said.
“When an Auslan interpreter was brought in, it changed everything – I felt a sense of participation and belonging.
“My faith deepened because I could finally connect with God in my own language.”
Stephen Lawlor sharing the Mass readings in Auslan with interpreter Melissa Smith. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Chrisso said acts of inclusion have phenomenal benefits for people living with disability.
“Deaf people thrive when given the right access,” she said.
“For the deaf community, access to Auslan in religious services isn’t just inclusion – it’s what enables true belonging,” she said.
The inclusive Masses can be an important reminder of how faith connects people of all abilities. The beauty of worship through sign language becomes evident as the fluid movements of the interpreter’s hands help bring the prayers to life.
Parishioners can fully participate in every aspect of the Liturgy and communal prayer with the support of an Auslan interpreter. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
With thanks to the generosity of the faith community, the Ephpheta Centre works within the Diocese of Parramatta, the Archdiocese of Sydney, and the Diocese of Broken Bay to provide pastoral care, sacramental services, support and advocacy for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visit Ephpheta Centre to find out more.
To support the inclusion of people who are deaf or hard of hearing in Catholic life, please donate to Parramatta Catholic Foundation.
