Published by: The Center for Deaf Ministries, 7202 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784, (301) 459-7464 Voice or TTY

 Web Site: http://www.hometown.aol.com/deafmindc

[VOL. XXVI, No. 7 and 8, September – October 2002]

A Few Words from Fr. Jerry

Wow! It seems like such a long time since the last newsletter and there is so much to tell in this article. So much has happened and so much will happen!

The St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church Council recommended that we begin a "Master Plan" for renovating the Center building and the Church and so we have begun implementing these ideas.

Therefore, it has been a busy summer, with many renovations at the Center. We have redesigned the main entrance, by adding a room which previously had been hidden by black walnut paneling. We've put a new coat of paint on the walls there, replaced the carpet in the entrance, the Helm room and the library. We have ordered new doors for the main entrance and they should be installed by the end of the month.

Outside the building, we have replaced all the concrete surrounding the Center and added a ramp to enter the multi-purpose room. What I have discovered, however, is that the restroom entrance in that space cannot be widened to accommodate wheelchairs, and so for the time being the only handicapped restroom is on the main floor of the center. Hopefully, we will be able to alter the multi-purpose room, so that we can accommodate a handicapped accessible rest room there in the future.

We have moved the Blessed Sacrament Altar to a more prominent space in the Chapel. There will be additional changes in the Chapel, but that is a work in progress and may take sometime to accomplish all the suggestions.

Of course, the highlight of the summer was Deaf Way II. We had a very good Catholic representation in the booth area: The International Catholic Deaf Association, The National Catholic Office for the Deaf, the International Catholic Foundation for service with Deaf people, The House of Studies for Deaf Seminarians, St. Thomas University's M.A. program in Deaf Ministry, and us the Center for Deaf Ministries of the Archdiocese of Washington, all joined together for an impressive display. Thanks to all who spent time at the booth greeting and welcoming the conference visitors.

A huge thank you to Rev. Msgr. Peter Vaghi, the pastor of St. Patrick's Church, who opened the doors to his beautiful historic Church to us for daily Mass. St. Patrick's is one block from the Convention Center. Each day we had a different priest celebrate Mass, and in addition we had two deacons preach. The priests were Fr. Terry O'Meara, Fr. Tom Coughlin, Fr. Cyril Axelrod, Fr. Peter McDonough, Fr. Richard Vallnar and me. The deacons who preached were Ralph Hinch and Patrick Graybill. A large number of people from a variety of countries participated in all these liturgies.

Gallaudet University has been busy building a new extension to Ely Center, now called the Student Union Building and The Student Academic Center. A new permanent Chapel has been incorporated into the Student Union part of the building, and the first religious service to be held in the Chapel was Mass on August 25. Because many of the Gallaudet Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist graduated in May, we will have a training session for a new group on September 14. Also Peter Un will lead a Bible Study on Thursday evenings for Gallaudet Students beginning September 12. Mass will be offered each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. on Campus.

REMEMBER MASS AT ST. FRANCIS DEAF CATHOLIC CHURCH RETURNS TO 11:30 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 1ST.

On Sunday September 8, Archbishop Patrick Kelly from Liverpool, England will be celebrating Mass at St. Francis in B.S.L. He is the president of the International Catholic Foundation for service with Deaf People, and is here in the United States for a sabbatical.

Soon it will be one year, since the terrible disaster of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday September 11, we will offer a memorial Mass at St. Francis at 7:30 p.m. for the repose of the souls of all those people who perished. We will do the same at the 12:30 p.m. Mass at Gallaudet on that day.

The Archdiocesan Deaf Council, will meet on Sunday, September 15. We are happy to announce that the board will be expanded by two new members, Kathy Buta and Martha Sheridan. We are very moved by their spirit of volunteerism and applaud their choice to join this group. On the agenda for that meeting will be plans for members of the ADC, to visit the interpreted parishes so as to meet with Deaf Catholics at them and learn their needs.

On Saturday October 5th, Fr. Mike Depcik, will be leading a day of recollection for the Mason-Dixon region of the I.C.D.A. here at the Center. He will stay with us the entire weekend and is set for Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis. We are hoping that this Sunday will become the first "Community Sunday". As you all know, St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Catholic Church is "home" for all Deaf Catholics in the archdiocese and all are welcome at any time. The ADC, however, has recommended that we choose periodically a specific Sunday which will be designated as "Community Sunday", when we invite all Deaf Catholics to come together for Mass and social. Also on the drawing board is an adult religious education program on those Sunday afternoons.

Immediately following Mass, on Sunday October 6, we will have a blessing of a new statue of Our Lady in the front of the Center. Since October is one of the months dedicated to Mary, we will use this opportunity to install this new statue, which was donated last year by Marilyn Klappenberger.

On Sunday October 13, we have again been invited to join the Archdiocese at the annual pilgrimage at the National Shrine. We will again have a section reserved in the front of the Shrine, and the Mass will be interpreted. Rosary begins at 2:30 p.m. and Mass at 3:00 p.m.

We will once again gather as a community at Blob's Park in Jessup, MD., on Saturday October 19 for the Oktoberfest Buffet dinner. We have made reservations for 50 people. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The admission fee is $7.00 and the cost of the buffet without drinks or dessert is $9.50. This event has been growing in popularity; let us keep this tradition going.

Very soon, the Turkey Dinner and Christmas Bazaar will be here. The date is Sunday Nov. 17; please make every effort to be with us that day. Once again we will have two dining areas, the Helm Room, and the Multi-purpose room. Last year this seemed to help with the movement of people and reduced the waiting time for dinner. Be looking in the mail soon for your raffle tickets. We ask you to seriously consider supporting this event. It is our major fund raiser for the whole year, and many of the programs we offer are financed by the revenues we raise at it. We are very grateful to Sally Mooney and Janet Noyes for taking on the responsibility of chairing our annual celebration. We will open this event to Gallaudet students to collect community service hours.

Last but not least, as I said earlier October is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Make a special effort during that month to pray the rosary and remember that each Sunday before Mass at St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church a group gathers to do this together.

Happy fall to all! Hard to believe the summer passed so very quickly and we are into a new season of programs! We are excited about a new season at the Center and look forward to seeing you all!

Children’s Religious Education will begin again on September 29, 2002. We will be meeting at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings before Mass. The dates for the Children’s Religious Education for September and October are: September 29, October 13 and October 27.

A new season for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) will have its Inquiry Session on Monday September 23, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. RCIA is for adults who are interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this program, please contact Nora or Mary with the name and phone/E-mail for that person.

The Fall Forum is scheduled for October 5^th. This will kick off our new season for Adult Religious Education. We look forward to gathering periodically throughout the year to cover the subjects that were suggested over this past year.

We also look forward to continuing our Video Series beginning again this Advent. Many enjoyed this last year, and we look forward to continuing this coming year.

Our interpreted Parishes continue with a great need for more interpreters. If any one is aware of interpreters who would be willing to work on Sunday mornings, and is willing to interpret Liturgy, please contact Mary. In addition to the interpreted Parishes, we have three Catholic Elementary Schools and two Catholic High Schools with KODA children attending. Interpreters are provided for parent meetings and school functions throughout the year. Again, interpreters are in VERY short supply. Any help you may be able to give in suggesting names of interpreters would be MOST appreciated. Please contact Mary with that information.

A new season begins with much to share! We look forward to seeing you all this fall at the Center for Deaf Ministries!

Peace,

Nora and Mary

Answer: The word comes from the Greek word, "klon," which means a twig or a cutting, and is used to designate a remarkable process which biological science has recently discovered.

It is a common knowledge now that every cell in a plant or animal carries that special unique "genetic code" of that individual. For example, the sets of chromosomes that are in the first cell when the sperm and ovum unite in human reproduction, divide and are duplicated eventually in the billions of cells in an adult body. Certain processes guide some cells to become arms, others to become legs, and others to become blood; but all the original genetic "information" is in each cell.

Not long ago, scientists began discovering that it is possible to take a cell from some living organisms and through an extremely delicate procedure, produce a new "beginning" cell that possesses exactly the same genetic make-up as the "parent." This cell would, in effect, grow into an identical twin of the parent body.

Until now, cloning has been successful only with some plants and lower animals. Some scientists expect the day is not too far distant when it will be possible with humans. Then science could, for example, pick out the ideal astronaut, let's say Neil Armstrong, and produce 100 Neil Armstrongs from his own body to form "ideal" teams for space flight. Other uses of the procedure would obviously be numerous.

The moral question, as with so many other newly-discovered scientific possibilities, is: Should mankind go ahead and do something just because it is possible? If so, under what conditions, and with what safeguards? Who will make the decisions? What human, spiritual, psychological, religious values are involved?

Unfortunately, as with many other modern technical developments, from sperm banks to nuclear weapons, too many responsible persons consider such concerns irrelevant, or at least superfluous. Their thought seems to be: Let's try it and think of the consequences later. By the time, enormous and irreparable damage could be done to the bodies, psyches, and social structure of the human race.

For these reasons, moral theologians of all faiths are wrestling publicly and urgently with such questions.

Editor's note: Here is an update on "cloning" from www.americancatholic.org:

"On November 25, 2001, a Massachusetts research company announced it had cloned the first human embryo. The announcement from Advanced Cell Technology Inc. brought swift condemnation from the Vatican and from political leaders, including U.S. President Bush.

We, as Catholics, should write to our representatives in Congress and to our U.S President to support a ban on human cloning and to preserve the dignity of each and every human life.

St. Peter was chosen by Jesus to be our first Pope. He preached that we love one another. As our present Pope John Paul II teaches that we love one another, same as what St. Peter told us 2,000 years ago (1 Peter 4:8-9)

Shorter Prayer: Let your love for one another be intense because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

The Jerusalem Bible: Above all, never let your love for each other grow insincere, since love covers over many a sin. Welcome each other into your house without grumbling.

The New American Bible: Above all, let your love for one another be constant, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be mutually hospitable without complaining.

Good News Bible: Above all everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. Open your home to each other without complaining.

The Way, the Living Bible: Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for may of your faults. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay for the night.

The Holy Bible: Above all, hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.

Notice! Notice! Notice!

Regular hours will be in effect on Sunday, September 1, 2002. Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis and Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. at Gallaudet University.

______________________________________________________________________________

Help Wanted

Religious Education - Coordinator of Catechesis with the Deaf

Archdiocese of Baltimore

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is seeking an experienced Coordinator of Catechesis with the Deaf to coordinate services for religious education programs for children, youth and adults of the Deaf community. Requirements are:

• Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree, Maters degree preferred, in the area of deaf education and/or religious education.
• Excellent communication skills with persons who are deaf and hearing, including fluency in American Sign Language.
• Ability to develop and lead training programs and work with persons of all ages.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Active, practicing Catholic preferred.
• Ability to travel to various locations throughout the Archdiocese.
• Comprehensive benefit package.

Submit resume to:

Division of Human Resource Services/CCD

320 Cathedral Street

Baltimore. Maryland 21201

Fax: 410.234.2953

Email: hrserv@archbalt.org

(Equal Opportunity Employer)

______________________________________________________________________________

Note from the Editor of Silent Witness

It is with deep regret that I leave my position as "Silent Witness" editor temporarily after this issue. My present job has made it difficult for me to keep up with the responsibilities I have with the local deaf Catholic community, ICDA-US and my family. The Center for Deaf Ministries will make every effort to keep the newsletters coming to you. If you are interested in becoming the editor of Silent Witness, please contact Fr. Jerry or Mary ( call 301-459-7464 or email DEAFMINDC@aol.com). Thank you very much for your support.

Peter Noyes

The Archdiocese of Washington Deaf Council and

International Catholic Deaf Association (ICDA) Chapter 29

proudly host the

Email: PNOYES@aol.com

About our Workshop Presenter at the 2002 ICDA Mason Dixon Regional Conference/Fall Forum

Fr. Michael Depcik was born deaf to a Deaf family of five children in Chicago and attended St. Rita School for the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon his graduation with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and History from Gallaudet University, he moved to Detroit, Michigan where he became a postulant of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales congregation. The congregation sent Michael to Ss. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan where he received his Master's degree in Divinity in 1999. Following his ordination to the priesthood in June 2000, he became the chaplain of the deaf Catholics in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan with the city of Flint as home base for his ministry.

Fr. Michael, aged 32, is well known for his love to travel. He has been to four continents. He is a missionary for the International Catholic Deaf Association and has been traveling all over the country to give retreats for Deaf Catholics. Also, he serves as the Representative of the Deaf Pastoral Workers and Chairperson of the Board for the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD).

50% of proceeds go to the ICDA-US Mission Fund. Grants are provided to worthwhile projects that promote outreaching, spiritual growth and development of faith amount the Deaf Catholics. Projects supported include youth camp scholarships, Catholic Deaf Youth Conference, Deaf Cursillo, Ministry Formation Program, ICDA Missionary (Fr. Michael Depcik), retreats.

Please help us to give back to ICDA-US Mission Fund. To order tickets, please fill out below and mail to John Daigle, Treasurer. You do not need to be present at the Conference for the winning ticket.

Name___________________________

Addr____________________________

City_____________________________

State____________ Zip_____________

___ # of ticket ____ $ amount enclosed ($1 each ticket)

Please make check payable to "ICDA-US MDR" and mail to:

Hotels during the 2002 ICDA-US MDR Conference: Below is a list of possible hotels off the I-495 - within 15 minutes of the Center.

• Holiday Inn - NASA Goddard Area, 7200 Hanover Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770 $79-144 a night. Distance from Center is 2 miles. (1-800-377-8660)
• Fairfield Capital Beltway, 4050 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705 $79.95 a night. Distance from Center is 5 miles. (1-800-228-2800)
• Silver Spring Hilton, 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 $109.95 a night. Distance from Center is 10 miles. (1-800-445-8667)

Be sure to reserve early to get good rate. If you are staying at other hotel than above, please fax / email me for direction (FAX: 301-879-5909 or Email: PNOYES@aol.com)

The Center for Deaf Ministries is accessible from either I-495 or Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

• From Washington DC via Baltimore-Washington Parkway: The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is accessible from either New York Avenue or Rt. 201 Kenliworth Ave./Rt. 295 from Washington, D.C. Once on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, take the second exit at Rt. 450 - Annapolis Road. Keep right onto Rt. 450. Turn right at 72nd Avenue (light green building on corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.
• From Baltimore via Baltimore-Washington Parkway: Take the Rt. 450 exit - Annapolis Road exit. Turn left onto Rt. 450. Turn right at 72nd Avenue (light green building on corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.
• From Richmond, VA via Rt. 301: Take the Washington D.C. bound exit at Rt. 50 (second exit). Take Rt. 50 to Admore-Arwick Road / East-West Hwy (Rt.410) exit (cross I-495 and railroad tracks - 2^nd exit from I-495). Turn right and go to the second stop light at Rt. 450 -Annapolis Road. Turn left onto Rt. 450. Go to the second stoplight at St. Mary Church and turn left. Make first right at Buchanan Street. The Center is on your right past the St. Mary School.
• From Richmond, VA via I-95 and I-495 (Baltimore - Exit 170A: From I-95 at Springfield, VA, enter I-495 through Alexandria, VA. Exit at Rt. 450 (second exit). Bear right onto Rt. 450. Just before St. Mary Church on your left, turn left at light and make first right at Buchanan Street. The Center is on your right past the St. Mary School. If you pass St. Mary, make a left at 72^nd Ave (light green building on left side corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.
• From Richmond, VA via I-95 and I-495 (Tysons Corner - Exit 170B): From I-95 at Springfield, VA, take the second exit to I-495 toward Tysons Corner. Go past I-66 and Tysons Corner. After crossing the Potomac River, the interstate will split into I-270 and I-495. Bear right to stay on I-495 and go past I-95. Take the Rt. 450 exit (Exit Number. 20). Bear right onto Rt. 450. Just before St. Mary Church on your left, turn left at light and make first right at Buchanan Street. The Center is on your right past the St. Mary School. If you pass St. Mary, make a left at 72^nd Ave (light green building on left side corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.
• From I-66 via I-495: From I-66, take the I-495 ramp toward Baltimore/Bethesda MD- not Richmond VA. After crossing the Potomac River, the interstate will split into I-270 (Frederick) and I-495 (Bethesda). Bear right to stay on I-495 and go past I-95. Take the Rt. 450 exit (Exit Number. 20). Turn right onto Rt. 450. Just before St. Mary Church on your left, turn left at light and make first right at Buchanan Street. The Center is on your right past the St. Mary School. If you pass St. Mary, make a left at 72^nd Ave (light green building on left side corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.
• From Frederick, I-270 via I-495: From I-270, take the left ramp toward I-495 Washington. (Note: If you go straight, then you are heading into Virginia and I-270 will turn into I-495.) Stay on I-495 and go past I-95. Take the Rt. 450 exit (Exit Number. 20). Bear right onto Rt. 450. Just before St. Mary Church on your left, turn left at light and make first right at Buchanan Street. The Center is on your right past the St. Mary School. If you pass St. Mary, make a left at 72^nd Ave. (light green building on left side corner) and then left onto Buchanan Street. The Center is on your left.

The picnic will be at the Center for Deaf Ministries on Sunday, September 15, 2002 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Ticket Price - Adults: $5.00, Children, 12 years and under: $3.00, Infants and toddlers are free.

Hamburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs, rolls, relishes, paper products including plastic forks, spoons and knives will be provided. Coffee, punch and iced tea will be provided free. Soft drinks, water and alcoholic beverages may be purchased. Each family is asked to bring one or more of their favorite food items to share with everyone.

Deaf Catholic Family Picnic – September 15, 2002

(1:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

Name___________________________________________________________

Number planning to attend - Adult________________Children______________

I will bring the following item(s): (Please check)

_____Potato Chips _____Slaw ____Raw Vegetables with Dip

_____Pretzels _____Tossed Salad ____Fruit Salad

_____Potato Salad _____Baked Bean

_____Other Salads (Please indicate below what kind)

_____Other Foods (Please indicate below what kind)

_____Dessert (Please indicate below what kind)

If you are planning to bring a dessert, cookies, brownies or cupcakes would be easier to serve. If you are planning to bring a cake, it would be best to cut it at home. Please bring whatever serving utensil is needed to serve the food you bring.

There will be a sign-up sheet for food(s) to bring. Please see Peter Noyes after Mass on September 1 and September 8. You may email him at pnoyes@aol.com or fax at 301-879-5909. Thank you.

Come and Enjoy!

 

Christmas Bazaar Big Five Raffles

(Pictures, raffle purchases and Christmas Bazaar information will be mailed separately in late September. Please sure to watch for it)

 

For more information, please contact either Sally Mooney or Janet Noyes. Sally can be reached by e-mail (sally.mooney2@verizon.net) or TTY after 6 p.m. 301-469-5852. Janet can be reached by e-mail (jnoyes1952@aol.com) or TTY during the day, 301-402-9327.

If you have any question, please contact the interpreter coordinator, Mary Chute-Un at 301-459-7464 (V/TTY) or e-mail her at CHUTEUN@AOL.COM