We recognize that sometimes a parishioner may request an ASL interpreter for weddings, funerals, or other liturgies at your parish. While it is beyond the scope of CDM to schedule interpreters for you, we are happy to help refer you to different agencies that can assist with this. It is important to keep in mind that the number of ASL interpreters in the St Louis area (especially those that are knowledgeable in interpreting Catholic liturgies) is small.
Please reach out to Al Alvord ([email protected]) for a list of interpreters that we have worked with in the past. Many of these interpreters have full-time jobs and thus limited availability.
We also recommend that parishes reach out to LAMP (Language, Access, Multicultural, People). LAMP was established in 1996 following an initiative of the Archbishop's Committee on Community Health here in the Archdiocese of St Louis. LAMP falls under the umbrella of Catholic Charities
LAMP website: www.lampinterpreters.org
LAMP phone number: 877-240-6398
While CDM strives to provide all the sacraments and various liturgies of the church year in an ASL format, we recognize that some Deaf or hard-of-hearing Catholics may prefer to attend liturgies at their home parish. If you are a Deaf or HOH parishioner seeking the Sacraments in ASL, please reach out to our office, and we would be happy to help you!
If a member of your parish is looking for access to the Sacraments in American Sign Language, please feel free to refer them to Fr Dan or Al Alvord. Our office would also be happy to reach out to the individual.
Members of our staff are more than happy to visit any of our Archdiocesan parishes or schools to offer presentations on issues surrounding Deaf Ministry in the Catholic Church. We have a rich history of Deaf Ministry here in the Archdiocese of St Louis that we are excited to share!
Deaf culture is a culture unto itself, and many "hearing" people do not realize the richness of Deaf culture and American Sign Language. We seek to be that bridge for people and are always happy to be of any help. Please always feel free to reach out to us if your parish/school would be interested in learning more.