Persons with disabilities are members of the Church and are called to participate fully in its life.

These were the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Edward Gilbert as he celebrated Mass last Sunday to mark the 25th anniversary of Deaf Catechesis by the Touch of Christ (TOC) Deaf Community. The Mass was held at the Mt Lambert Parish Hall, where the community usually meets.

Archbishop Gilbert about to greet TOC coordinator Kenwyn Noel and a member of the Community.

In his brief homily the archbishop emphasised the importance of finding the mission God has given each one of us, and surrendering ourselves to doing His will.

He said it was very easy to get “angry, bitter and withdrawn” when faced with terminal illness or challenges of sight and hearing, but Paul’s letter to the Corinthians “Blessed be God who has given us the grace to live” can comfort us. 

Archbishop Gilbert invited TOC to share his motto “The Lord is my strength” and to remember always that in spite of all our achievements, real strength lies in the presence of the Lord.

He thanked TOC for their contribution to the life of the Church and advised “Your visibility should be present always in the archdiocese at every occasion, to express the views of the hearing impaired and even fight for your rights if necessary”.

The congregation of mainly hearing-impaired Catholics, their families and friends praised and worshipped God in sign language. Taking turns signing and interpreting were TOC coordinator Kenwyn Noel, and Raeanne Hutton and Niobe Rodrigues, both of whom are not deaf or hearing-impaired. Certificates of achievement were handed out to community members; the morning concluded with a sharing.

TOC has a membership of almost 60 persons and meets monthly. Among their activities are: providing lay ministers, interpretation for the parish priest, catechists for confirmation and first communication classes, wedding preparations and liaising with deaf parents for the baptism of their children.

One of their major problems is the lack of transport. A 15-seater bus is sorely needed and the coordinator is appealing to any corporate sponsor to assist in this purchase.