ROCKFORD—Msgr. Glenn Nelson heads up an important, but mostly-hidden ministry in the Diocese of Rockford: the Deaf Apostolate.
Msgr. Nelson has a special place in his heart for those whocommunicate through American Sign Language (ASL).
The diocesan deaf community, he says, gathers together to celebrate holy days when he can arrange it, such as a Good Friday service he organized this Easter season.
He provides Lenten retreats in ASL and schedules and signs two Masses each weekend at locations around the diocese, to reach deaf Catholics each month near their homes.
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Learn and Give Videos explaining the Diocesan Appeal will be shown in parishes at Masses the weekend of April 25-26. This year, videos are available in English, Spanish and Polish and distributed to parishes based on their population.
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Additionally, interpreters sign a Mass every week at a designated parish in each of the seven deaneries of the diocese.
Deaf Catholics are all part of the one Church, and such services help them “hear” the word of God and participate more fully in their Catholic faith.
The Deaf Apostolate is just one of many ministries supported through the Diocesan Appeal. Others being featured in the annual appeal this year are:
Ministries to youth, which includes the diocese’s Ministry Formation Program that trains religious education and youth ministry leaders; Catholic Campus Ministries for college-age students; and what is becoming an annual event — the diocesan Youth Summit.
Vocations ministries, including the Vocations Office for men who are discerning a call to the diocesan priesthood, with assistance also to men and women wishing to explore religious life; and the Permanent Diaconate Office for those studying for that ministry.
Support of retired priests, many of whom continue to serve parishes in their later years.
This year’s theme is “Many Roads, One Path.” Your pledge to the Diocesan Appeal assists all ages to find and follow Jesus Christ.