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Services for the Deaf

We are working towards providing pastoral care for Catholic Deaf people by providing signed Masses and other services when required, including help and support concerning matters of faith and spirituality for Deaf people and their families.

A “signed” Mass was conducted at St Marie’s Cathedral Sheffield last December 2024 which was well attended.

We are hoping to schedule a number of such Masses throughout the Diocese in the coming months.

If you would like to be kept up to date on when these will take place, feel free to complete the form and either email or post to the Caritas office.

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE WITH FUTURE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING FOCUSSED EVENTS

For more information about how you can be involved contact Bernie Ware; [email protected] 0114 2566408 / 07980 406198

News

Stuart recently attended a presentation by Father Paul Fletcher and Father Peter Mcdonough, regarding Jubilee Year and its relevance for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

It was an outstanding presentation so he is hoping for Father Fletcher to come to Hallam and give a presentation to the priests of our Diocese.

COLLABORATION

Caritas has been invited to join up with Caritas Leeds to attend a signed Mass every Friday at Leeds Cathedral and the celebrant will be Father Peter Mcdonough.

If you would like to see signed masses from Leeds, please visit their website https://catholicdeaf.org.uk/ and the masses are detailed on their home page.

Caritas has also signed up to the Catholic Deaf Association which will allow us to keep readers up to date with any upcoming events.

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[Caritas] Christmas Newsletter 2025

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'Catholic Deaf Association' via Caritas [email protected]

Thu, 25 Dec 2025, 19:50 (12 days ago)

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Christmas Newsletter 2025

New Westminster Archbishop

Congratulations to the Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster. He will officially take up his role after installation in February 2026. The CDA prays for him and that he will support the work of the CDA. The Chair of CDA, Joselyn Taylor, will write a letter of congratulations to the new Archbishop of Westminster.

CDA AGM

CDA AGM 2025 was held in Hinsley Hall, Leeds on the weekend of 10th – 12th October. It was lovely to have a chance to chat to members about taking the CDA forward with suggestion and feedback. We had a wonderful guest speaker, who had just flown back to the UK from Rome – Father Eamonn Mulcahy – who gave a very enthusiastic presentation on the “Pilgrim of Hope” theme. He was captivating! We

thank Father Eamonn for his time. The most memorable event of the weekend had to be the rousing auction of various items to raise valuable funds for CDA. We all had so much fun here. Roll on to the next one.

Sr Maria McCready, CDA Honorary President

While at Hinsley Hall for the CDA AGM, Sister Maria McCready MBE was awarded the title of “President of CDA” for her commitment, dedication and unwavering support to the CDA. The chairperson, Joselyn Taylor, gave her a framed photograph of CDA

committee to thank her for her long service.
Congratulations Sister Maria. Well deserved

Pilgrimage to Rome 2025

Fifteen members of the CDA was privileged to attend the Rome Pilgrimage from 26th–30th April. Unfortunately, Pope Francis had died and his funeral took place on the very day many of us arrived in Rome. Ian Urquhart has written an excellent article about our stay there, you can find it on our CDA website. Thank you Ian for taking the time to write an informative, historical and fascinating article. It is well worth the read. We met quite a lot of deaf Catholics from all over the world. And it is always nice to be amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ sharing the same values, even if we don’t share the same sign language!

Year of Jubilee

Pope Leo has extended the Jubilee year untill 5th January 2026. If you would like to donate to CAFOD, go to cafod.org.uk/jubilee

Blackpool Conference 2025

On 5th April 2025, CDA held a one day conference in Sheraton Hotel, Blackpool. The day began at 10.30am and ended with a nail-biting auction. I think Father Paul quite enjoyed this very much! The presentation by Father Paul Fletcher and Peter McDonough was on the “Pilgrims of Hope”, linking to the Jubilee year. It was both interesting and thoughtful, it gave us much to ponder about. The Jubilee year is held every 25 years, however, there is an exception. The next Jubilee year will be in 2033. Why? The birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Do you want the CDA to organise something to celebrate? Come to the next CDA event and ask. There are plenty of opportunities to let us know what you want and expect as a member of the CDA. Come to the next one day conference in Blackpool on the 14th March 2026. Walsingham on the 16th May 2026 or at the AGM on 26th September at Westminster Cathedral. Your opinion, suggestion and feedback are always welcome.

CDA Walsingham pilgrimage

There were over 55 deaf pilgrims taking part in the Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage on 21 May. The youngest was 9 years old. It was lovely to see her so involved, and CDA would like to extend its appreciation to her parents for bringing her and enabling her to take part. We all met in the Church of the Annunciation at Friday Market, next to the Black Lion hotel. Most of us walked along the ‘Holy Mile’ stopping at intervals to recite the Mysteries while taking in turns to carry Our Blessed Virgin Mary on the processional bier. There were a few hairy moments where I thought she would fly off the seat as no one was in union with the stride and pace, the poor Lady was being tossed about all over the place. In the end, things went smoothly when the stride and pace was in unison. For others, there was a minibus provision to take them directly to the National Shrine. Father Paul gave an interesting and amusing homily in the Basilica, bringing laughter to both the deaf and hearing pilgrims. There were opportunity for feedback from the pilgrims and many have been taken on board, there will be a few changes in the next Walsingham pilgrimage. Thank you to all who participate. New faces are always welcome.

Boston Spa Reunion

Over 200 former pupils attended the Boston Spa Reunion on 28 June 2025. The event was especially special as it celebrated the 150th anniversary of St John’s School for the Deaf.

Congratulations to Wendy Daunt OBE

Wendy Daunt was awarded an OBE from Prince William in May 2025 for her work with the Royal school for the Deaf in Derby and to the Deaf community. The ceremony became memorable after Wendy hugged Prince William—show casing the Deaf culture way of greeting—which delighted Prince William.

Welcome home

Congratulations to Yasser McAndrew and David Cartner who have been confirmed into the Catholic faith (see images).

Lourdes pilgrimage 2026

Father Paul Fletcher and James Fitzgerald (interpreter) will be attending Lourdes with the HCPT 556 group, 15th—22nd August 2026.
Full board, insurance, flights and transfers along with full itnerary: £1,400
Please contact HCPT group 556 directly to book at [email protected]

Upcoming Events

Blackpool one day conference: Saturday 14th March 2026

Walsingham Pilgrimage: Saturday 16th May 2026

CDA AGM: Saturday 26th September 2026 (Westminster Cathedral)

CDA Rosary prayers

Wednesday at 8am
Join us for Rosary Prayer hour via Zoom.
Please contact Maria Booker.

Deaf Afternoon Club

DEAF AFTERNOON CLUB
Every Tuesday, 12—4pm

DEAF DARTS/SOCIAL NIGHT

Every Tuesday, 7—11pm bar open

Both event is in The Victory, 39-41 North Bridge Road, Sunderland, SR5 1AH