Hello Ronda, I do religious interpreting so I can try to give you information as best I can for your research paper.
Q: What churches have you attended?
A: I attend St. Ann's Catholic Church in Providence, RI
Q: What accomdations were readily available to assist you such as an interpreter, etc.?
A: We have 3 interpreters at our church, I do every other Sunday, as well as another interpreter. The third interpreter goes to Churches that she has been assigned to for interpreting. A lot of deaf do not come to our church because they want to stay at their home church, so interpreters are provided for them. Also in the works for hard of hearing members, a loop system maybe provided and also FM system so the church member can hear the Mass without missing anything.
Q: After you first attended the church with no accomodations, were they readily available the next time you attended?
A: If the first time they attend Mass and there is no accomodations readily available for them, we have a Diocese Director who is deaf that the deaf can call him and let him know that their church does not provide interpreters, the
Director will call the Pastor of said Church through tty and let them know that they received a request for an interpreter for Mass at their church. Most pastors are very obliging, but, there are others who are pretty stubborn. When that happens, then the Director will call the Commission on the deaf and hard of hearing, explain what is going on, and the CDHH will in turn send info to the church to let them know of their deaf members rights to an interpreter so they can fully appreciate the Mass like the hearing.
Q: What churches are there that are mainly Deaf culture population that you know of?
A: In Providence, there is St. Ann's Church, they have a deaf Mass every Sunday at 9:30. Also, there is Assembly of God, Alpha Omega Church. They have Mass every Sunday at 9:00. There is St. Jean's Church in Barrington, R.I. but it's both deaf and hearing. That's because in Warren there is an Independent Living facilty, and the deaf clientele go to this church every Sunday, and I believe that starts at 9:00 also.
Q: What is the most important thing you would like to express about your general experience with religion?
A: I am a CODA, my father goes to the same church that I interpret at, the wonderful feeling I get when I am interpreting up on the Altar is, that the deaf
congregation with the help of interpreting services can fully participate in the Mass, they are a close congregation. When they do the sign of peace, they all hug each other, and that is such a wonderful feeling. Even though they cannot hear, they get to fully appreciate what their belief really stands for. I even interpret music, which they love because through facial expression and body language they know exactly how to feel the song. The deaf community maybe a small one, but, they are a close knit family who have displayed very strong faith in their religion. Even though they are deaf and can't hear the music or the words of the Mass, through the interpreter it gives them the chance to feel. When I am interpreting, especially the Homily, when I see their faces smile, or they nodd their head in agreement to what is being said, it's a good feeling that I know that in a small way, I can help them to understand the meaning of each and every word.
Ronda I hope this has helped even though you got some information from a hearing person, but a hearing person with deaf parent's, who has been in the deaf community all her life. Good luck with your research paper. Let me know how you did on it!!! Have a nice evening!!
