Newark, NJ – Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau is poised to prioritize expanding ministry to the Deaf community within the Archdiocese of Newark, building on his decades-long commitment to making the Catholic faith accessible through American Sign Language (ASL). the incoming bishop, who will celebrate masses in ASL, hopes to encourage more priests to learn the language adn broaden the reach of this vital ministry.
Bishop-elect Chau’s dedication stems from a personal connection: his sister is Deaf. He observed the welcoming ministries offered at a local Baptist church and recognized a need for similar inclusivity within the Catholic Church.
He began studying ASL while in seminary, joining a course initially populated by 12 students, ultimately becoming the sole participant to persevere. Since 2008, Bishop-elect Chau has regularly celebrated Mass in ASL, currently every fourth Sunday at the cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, followed by a social gathering.
“Celebrating Mass in Sign Language is such a grate blessing,” Bishop-elect Chau told Jersey Catholic. “It gives me a lot of joy, because what I could not give my sister, and what she could not receive from the Church, I can now share with other Deaf people. They are receiving God’s word, and I can preach to them about the Catholic faith and keep them with us.”
While acknowledging the challenges of accurately conveying liturgical terms and Scripture in ASL – “Sign Language is very contextual,” he explained,noting the need to sometimes spell out words or provide context – Bishop-elect Chau finds the ministry deeply rewarding,even if physically demanding. “Sometimes after signing Mass, I have a pain in my back!” he said with a laugh.
Currently, Bishop-elect Chau is the only priest in the Archdiocese fluent in ASL, though interpreters assist at the cathedral and four other parishes. He intends to make the growth of the Ministry with the Deaf a key focus of his episcopate.
More facts about the Archdiocese of newark’s ministry with the Deaf, including a schedule of signed and interpreted Masses, is available at rcan.org/deaf-ministry.