A historic event is set to take place this spring as the first-ever Eucharistic Congress for the Catholic Deaf community will be hosted at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Scheduled for April 4–6, the congress aims to bring together around 230 Deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics to deepen their faith and honor the Eucharist.
According to event organizer Father Mike Depcik, one of the few Deaf priests in the world, the congress is designed “by and for Deaf Catholics” to create an inclusive space where attendees can fully participate in their faith. Depcik, who serves as chaplain for the Deaf ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, has long been an advocate for greater accessibility in the Catholic Church.
Addressing the Accessibility Gap
Depcik emphasized the significant challenges Deaf Catholics face in practicing their faith, noting that “several statistics have shown that 96% of Deaf people, including those baptized Catholics, do not go to any church due to very limited services available to them in their own language (American Sign Language)”. While the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indiana included ASL interpreters, Depcik felt it was essential to dedicate an entire event to the Deaf Catholic community.
“This Deaf Eucharistic Congress is unique and focused entirely on the members of the Deaf Catholic community, which includes the Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, hearing pastoral workers working within Deaf ministry, hearing parents of Deaf children, etc.,” Depcik told CNA. He also hopes that this congress will increase awareness among Church leaders about the spiritual needs of Deaf Catholics.
A Meaningful Gathering at the Seton Shrine
The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has hosted previous retreats for Deaf Catholics, making it a fitting location for this groundbreaking event. Notably, the shrine is located near the Maryland School for the Deaf, further strengthening its ties to the Deaf community.
The congress will feature notable speakers, including Deacon Patrick Graybill, a retired professor known for his work in ASL poetry and creative arts, and Jeannine Adkins, a representative of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf. Graybill’s presentation, “Eucharist: Holy Ground,” and Adkins’ talk, “The Healing Power of the Eucharist,” are expected to inspire attendees.
Participants will travel from across the United States, including California, Florida, and South Dakota, to experience this historic moment of faith and unity.
A Schedule Rooted in Faith and Fellowship
The congress will offer a rich spiritual experience, beginning with ASL-guided tours of the shrine, including a visit to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s tomb and historical sites. On Saturday, attendees will participate in adoration, confessions, Mass, and fellowship, while Sunday’s schedule will conclude with a special Mass alongside the local Deaf Catholic community in Urbana, Maryland.
As the Catholic Church continues to expand efforts for inclusivity, this first-ever Deaf Eucharistic Congress marks a significant step forward in making the faith more accessible. “It is our goal to have those people attending the Deaf Eucharistic Congress to feel inspired with their Catholic faith and appreciate the Eucharist,” Depcik stated, adding, “We also hope this will bring awareness to the Church hierarchy on the needs of Deaf Catholics.”
This event is not only a moment of spiritual renewal but also a powerful call for greater inclusion in the Catholic Church, ensuring that the sacramental life is truly open to all.
