Photos

Pandemic creates unique challenges for deaf Catholics

Father Joe Mulcrone celebrates Mass in American Sign Language for Catholics who are deaf on Aug. 16, 2020 at the St. Francis Borgia Deaf Center, 8318 W. Addison St. Sunday Mass in ASL and spoken English is celebrated weekly at the center. The pandemic has raised new challenges for people who are deaf. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Catholics sign a response during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Worshippers are spaced six feet apart from each other during Mass. To maintain social distancing Mass is now celebrated in the parish hall rather than the chapel. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Joe Mulcrone signs and speaks the Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Iris Martinez shares the sign of peace in ASL during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Jazzy Rangel signs to the congregation at the end of Mass telling them she will soon leave to join a religious community. Rangel is a hearing person and attends Mass with her mom Susan who is deaf. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners talk after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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