Miss-Delectable
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Interpreter's assistance enables greater access at church -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY
Kelly Fasco: Interpreter for the deaf at Christ the King Church in Guilderland.
Background: Born in Albany, grew up in Averill Park and lives in Guilderland. Graduated from Excelsior College and received a master's in education at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Administrative assistant for Applied Proactive Technologies in Watervliet, which helps companies conserve energy.
How did you become an interpreter for the deaf?
I learned sign language when I was a baby sitter for a deaf friend of my family. I also watched my mother, who is a special education teacher, use sign language in her classroom at Questar III. I worked as an interpreter for Questar III in self-contained and mainstreamed classrooms for the deaf. In Berlin, I was an interpreter for a deaf student and taught the other students in her classroom to sign so they could communicate without relying on me. I also taught an after-school program offered by the Averill Park PTA for students in second through fifth grade.
How did you make the leap from the classroom to the sanctuary?
I started in the 1990s at St. Vincent de Paul after I saw in the church bulletin that they were looking for somebody who knew sign language to interpret Mass for a deaf parishioner.
She was in her 70s and also had problems with her vision. She was the sweetest person and so thankful she could participate in the Mass.
I later interpreted Mass at a couple of other Catholic churches and for the Joshua Foundation under Father Joe Grizone. I came to Christ the King five years ago as a parishioner and interpreter.
What are you doing for Christmas?
I am celebrating it the way I like to -- interpreting two Christmas Eve Masses at Christ the King. I truly believe it is the best gift and way to celebrate Christmas as it gives me a greater spiritual and prayerful experience of the holiday. I find it humbling and powerful to proclaim God's word to those who cannot hear it but can participate in the Mass using their language.
On Sunday, I'll be interpreting the music prelude, starting around 6:30 before the 7 p.m. Mass and then preparing for the 8:30 choir prelude for the 9 o'clock Mass.
What kind of preparation is involved?
A lot of time and coordination. I work closely with the music director, LouAnn Cleary, and the cantors to make sure I have all the music. I write out all the lyrics using signs for the words. I also have a copy of the lector's workbook for the readings. I do not interpret word for word. Instead, I convey the meaning of the words, using aspects of American Sign Language and Signed English. I mouth the words as they are spoken in English, sometimes even Latin.
Is it hard work?
It does involve some physical strength. I need to stand firmly for the entire Mass. I have to have enough room and know my surroundings so I can freely move my hands and upper body.
Do you have your own style?
All interpreters have their own style. I am expressive and show a lot of emotion in my face. I use my upper body and my signs may be smaller or bigger depending on the meaning. There are many signs for individual words in English. It is the interpreters' choice which sign they use. Do I ever get nervous? Yes. Before every Mass, I say a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to work through me. Once the Mass starts, my nerves are gone. I carefully listen to the words, their tone and inflection and the tempo of the music. I use all my senses to visually express what I am hearing. I am on a spiritual high.
Kelly Fasco: Interpreter for the deaf at Christ the King Church in Guilderland.
Background: Born in Albany, grew up in Averill Park and lives in Guilderland. Graduated from Excelsior College and received a master's in education at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Administrative assistant for Applied Proactive Technologies in Watervliet, which helps companies conserve energy.
How did you become an interpreter for the deaf?
I learned sign language when I was a baby sitter for a deaf friend of my family. I also watched my mother, who is a special education teacher, use sign language in her classroom at Questar III. I worked as an interpreter for Questar III in self-contained and mainstreamed classrooms for the deaf. In Berlin, I was an interpreter for a deaf student and taught the other students in her classroom to sign so they could communicate without relying on me. I also taught an after-school program offered by the Averill Park PTA for students in second through fifth grade.
How did you make the leap from the classroom to the sanctuary?
I started in the 1990s at St. Vincent de Paul after I saw in the church bulletin that they were looking for somebody who knew sign language to interpret Mass for a deaf parishioner.
She was in her 70s and also had problems with her vision. She was the sweetest person and so thankful she could participate in the Mass.
I later interpreted Mass at a couple of other Catholic churches and for the Joshua Foundation under Father Joe Grizone. I came to Christ the King five years ago as a parishioner and interpreter.
What are you doing for Christmas?
I am celebrating it the way I like to -- interpreting two Christmas Eve Masses at Christ the King. I truly believe it is the best gift and way to celebrate Christmas as it gives me a greater spiritual and prayerful experience of the holiday. I find it humbling and powerful to proclaim God's word to those who cannot hear it but can participate in the Mass using their language.
On Sunday, I'll be interpreting the music prelude, starting around 6:30 before the 7 p.m. Mass and then preparing for the 8:30 choir prelude for the 9 o'clock Mass.
What kind of preparation is involved?
A lot of time and coordination. I work closely with the music director, LouAnn Cleary, and the cantors to make sure I have all the music. I write out all the lyrics using signs for the words. I also have a copy of the lector's workbook for the readings. I do not interpret word for word. Instead, I convey the meaning of the words, using aspects of American Sign Language and Signed English. I mouth the words as they are spoken in English, sometimes even Latin.
Is it hard work?
It does involve some physical strength. I need to stand firmly for the entire Mass. I have to have enough room and know my surroundings so I can freely move my hands and upper body.
Do you have your own style?
All interpreters have their own style. I am expressive and show a lot of emotion in my face. I use my upper body and my signs may be smaller or bigger depending on the meaning. There are many signs for individual words in English. It is the interpreters' choice which sign they use. Do I ever get nervous? Yes. Before every Mass, I say a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to work through me. Once the Mass starts, my nerves are gone. I carefully listen to the words, their tone and inflection and the tempo of the music. I use all my senses to visually express what I am hearing. I am on a spiritual high.