The Sign of Christ

News from the Catholic Deaf Community

Diocese of Syracuse

Vol. 20 No.3 - September- November 2009


Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France!

By Lindsay Ryan, Pam Ryan, and Georgianne Neimeyer


The St. Francis de Sales Family Pilgrimage for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to Lourdes, France took place April 21-30, 2009. Syracusans Georgianne Neimeyer and Lindsay Ryan joined Fr. Thomas Coughlin, O.P. Missionary and Pilgrimage Leader Pam Ryan with North American Lourdes Volunteers.

Our group of Deaf pilgrims and hearing family members came from as far as California, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Mexico and New York .  We met at the JFK International Airport in New York for our transatlantic flight to Paris. From Paris we boarded a short flight to Pau, then a motorcoach ride to Lourdes.

Lourdes is a charming city located in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France. It is here that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in the Grotto in 1858. In all, there were 18 apparitions. Many miracles, inexplicable cures and countless numbers of conversions are attributed to this Catholic Shrine. Annually more than six million pilgrims, from all over the world, journey to Lourdes. We experienced the Universal Church by participating in the events at Lourdes such as the Candlelight Procession, the International Mass and the Eucharistic Procession, as well as  the Grotto and the Baths.










The first born-deaf priest ordained in North America, Father Thomas Coughlin, O.P. Missionary, is also the first born-deaf priest to be the main celebrant and homilist in the Grotto.  Father Coughlin offered Mass in the early morning for the intentions of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with him inside the Grotto on April 25.  His homily in American Sign Language was voiced by ASL fluent Pamela Ryan.  The readings were signed by Janet Beckley of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This is the second annual North American Lourdes Volunteers Pilgrimage for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing led by Pamela and her Deaf daughter, Lindsay Ryan, with Father Tom as the Pilgrimage Chaplain. 







The first two apparitions in the Grotto were in the silence of prayer.  Deaf pilgrims in the Grotto recall us to the intensity of the initial Heavenly encounters.  Since Deaf people cannot hear the lovely songs and chants of Lourdes, they are equally inspired by the lovely settings and friendly smiles of the people in Lourdes.  

 Again this year, American Deaf pilgrims received a special welcome in French Sign Language from Vincent Bayoumeu, the great-great nephew of St. Bernadette Soubirous .  Although American Sign Language was developed by a French Catholic priest, Abbé De L’Epee of Paris, French Sign Language is mostly different.  As the language of Lourdes is internationally recognized as a smile, communicating between the two signed languages was a joyful challenge.

Left: Georgianne Neimeyer at the Water Taps next to Grotto




















The pilgrimage continued on to the St. Gildard Convent in Nevers for a retreat with Father in the spirituality of St. Bernadette.  Making the journey to her novitiate home adds a powerful final chapter to the entire pilgrim experience.  

We continued on to visit Lisieux and the Catholic sites of Paris: Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Cathedral of Notre Dame, visits to the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal.

Right: Georgie, Pam, and Lindsay
in front of the Immaculate Conception Basilica in Lourdes





                                                                    
Our journey of faith was unforgettable!  
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us! St. Bernadette, Pray for Us!    

We are currently planning our 2010 Pilgrimage!    


Left: Fr Tom & Vincent Bayoumeu, great-great nephew of St. Bernadette.
Vincent is a deaf Frenchman who works in the Sanctuaries of Lourdes


n front of the Immaculate Conception Basilica in Lourdes


About North American Lourdes Volunteers:
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, LTD. was founded in 2002, awarded IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status and incorporated in New York as a charity in 2003. A Public Association of the Christian Faithful elevated by the Syracuse Bishop James Moynihan and aggregated to the Hospitalite Notre-Dame de Lourdes by the Lourdes Bishop Jacques Perrier as the first Hospitality of the Americas to:
“Extend the invitation of the Immaculate Conception as given to Bernadette in the Grotto at Lourdes; to serve the sick and suffering at Lourdes and at home following the loving example of Saint Bernadette in simplicity, humility and obedience.”


THIS & THAT


Summertime is almost over.  Hopefully everyone enjoyed it.  Lots of picnics and gatherings.  I was able to see many of you.  Good times!

More Congratulations are due:
* Beth Thurlow who graduated from Cayuga Community College
* NYSSD graduates Matt Lazarus and Cheyenne Zazeckie

Welcome to Ciera Allyson  born July 16th to Jennifer & Matt Roberts.

If you live in the North, Mass will still be interpreted at Holy Trinity in Fulton! For the scheduling, please call Anne Parish: 678-2875.

The Barber Shop (2nd Tuesdays at St Thomas, New Hartford) will now be “Bring a Bag Lunch”...just like the Liverpool Group!

Jane Long gave our annual presentation on the Catholic Deaf Community at St Michael’s in Syracuse.  They gave very generously.  Thank you, Jane and St Michael’s!       
    

Rest in Peace:

Charlotte Cook, sister of Rose Benedict
Our friends: Esther Hughes & Rev William Lange, Jr
We remember them in prayer.

Catholic Men

Save the Date: February 27th 2010 for Syracuse’s IGNITE 09
More information at: www.ignitecatholicmen.org
(Interpreters provided if early request!)

This summer at Mass, did you enjoy all the Gospels from John Chapter 6?   We Catholics  believe and trust what Jesus tells us.  He is really present to us in His Body and His Blood!  He wants us to receive Him in Communion.  He wants to be with us as close as He can and become part of ourselves and our lives.

For Catholics, in order to be properly disposed to receive Him, we should not have a grave (serious) sin and normally have fasted for one hour. If we are in grave sin, before we receive, we must go to confession.  

For our fellow Christians, you may ask me what to do at Mass.
For non-Christians, you may ask me what to do at Mass.

Any questions or comments on anything?
I’d be happy to get them!  syrdeaf@juno.com



     Signing Seminarian








Green Lakes picnic:

Kris Scheibel with DJ and Bev
Hello, I’m Kris Scheibel, and I am a seminarian studying for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. Some of you may have met me already at the Deaf picnic at Green Lakes, or at Camp Mark 7, but if you haven’t, let me tell you a little about myself. When I was studying to be culinary teacher in College, I took two sign language classes to fulfill my foreign language requirements. Ever since then, I have developed a deep love for sign language. I was also contemplating the priesthood while I was taking these classes, and I felt a deep desire to aid the Catholic Deaf Community to the best of my abilities. I met Mary Margaret back in 2007 at the pro-life march in Washington. I met two pious Catholic teens who were Deaf, and I was encouraged by my ability to help them during the trip. I had already applied to the seminary at that point, but the trip to Washington left me with an even stronger passion to pursue Deaf Ministry. Currently I am now entering into my third year of Seminary at St. Mary’s in Baltimore, Maryland. I have finished my studies in Philosophy, and now I am entering into four years of studying Theology. While studying Theology, I will learn things such as the nature of God, the Holy Trinity, the Sacraments, as well as preaching, and praying. I ask all of you to remember me in you prayers as I continue my studies and discernment. I also ask you to pray that I may be given more opportunities to enhance my signing skills. Who knows, I might be assigned to your parish this summer. If that is the case, please don’t hesitate to say hello to me, because I need to keep practicing. Thank you all, and God bless. 








Green Lakes Picnic:  Kris with Helene










At Camp Mark with Fr Tom Coughlin





Please pray for ALL our seminarians:

Deacon Christopher Ballard
James Schultz
Rene Fahey ( Pastoral Year )
Christopher Seibt
Lawrence Martone
Kristopher Scheibel
Jason Hage
Zachary Miller  (also knows Sign Language)
Zachary Inman
Ken Kirkman
Zachary Goodier
Matthew Schultz
Daniel Czajak (Jan 2010)


Pray for Priests to offer Mass in ASL!

See their pictures and parishes:  www.vocations-syracuse.org





HURRY! to Sign up for the  National Deaf Cursillo

October 8 - 11, 2009
Douglaston, NY

To register: pmccahill@aol.com


Thank You to our  Newsletter Supporters

Ronald & Dawn Kolodziej
Brenda Lambert
Daisy DeHaas
Valerie & Dave Allen
Bea Murphy
John Thornton
Helene Anderson

to Ed & Janet O’Toole for their Memorial for Helen Castellazzi




Thomas Johns Memorial  Appreciation Award


2003   Sr Margaret Duffy
2003   Fr Peter Williams
2005   Mary & Robert Menotti
2007   Marion Baratta
2009     ???

We hope to present this award soon. We have four names submitted so far.

Would you know someone who:

Nominate someone, Deaf or Hearing.  (Name & Why you nominate him/her) to: syrdeaf@juno.com



           
Deaf Culture means getting together to chat. Would you like to have a Coffee Time after Mass?
Let Mary Margaret know if you would like that.

Call (Relay): 315-404-5674  or   Email: syrdeaf@juno.com




NCYC 2009

   We have 5 High School Students
and 2 Chaperones attending this year!

We will be leaving by bus Nov 18th. Please pray for us.

If you would like to help support the group, and receive a special picture & Thank you, send your donation to:
Catholic Deaf Community
PO Box 572
Rome NY 13442-0572


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

SEPTEMBER 2009






Syr AS is All Saints



Syr SL is St Lucy



1 2



3

Liverpool Group

10 AM -2 PM





 4











5



Johnson City 5

6

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Whitesboro 11

 7

Labor Day

 8

Barber Shop

&

ICDA 102

Meeting

10 AM - 1 PM

New Hartford

 9

Catechetical

Leaders

Meeting

 10



11









12







Rome if requested
13

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Holy Family

Endwell 11

Whitesboro 11

 14





15





16



NY State Pastoral Workers

with the Deaf

Meeting Esopus

 17

Liverpool Group

10 AM - 2 PM NY State Pastoral Workers

with the Deaf

Meeting Esopus

 18 19

SMTD Picnic
20

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 21





DAC Meeting 6PM

 22 23

NYSSD

Religious Ed



 24







25 26

Journey of Faith

9-5 Syracuse
27

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 28

29

30

NYSSD

Religious Ed

*






     September Birthdays
5    Deb Shaffer
6     Keith Grant Jr
15   Rockia Ricketts
17   Paul Szymanski
22   Rebecca Dadey
23   Jim Van Damme
27   Joanne Jackowski
28    Dick Byrnes
29   Jane Long


          September Anniversaries
6  Czeslawa & Bogdan Lachut
7    Jeanette & Tony Romanowski
12   Beth & Bob Heinlein
16  Amy & Richard  Coppola
18  Virginia & Keith Grant
21  Julie & James Pasternak
22   Donna & Ray Carroll


       

You Have the Right to Be Safe!
Do you feel abused... physically, sexually  or emotionally?
Do you know what to do? Talk to someone you trust!
You can find support at ARISE and Vera House in Syracuse.

24 hr hotlines (use relay)
315-468-3260 (voice)
315-422-7273 (voice)
TTY (9-5): 315-484-7263
They will help you!!




Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

OCTOBER 2009



Syr AS is All Saints

Syr SL is St Lucy







1

Liverpool Group

10 AM- 2 PM

 2

Catechetical Leaders

Meeting





 3

Rome if requested
4

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 5

6 7

NYSSD

Religious Ed







 8 9

10







Rome if requested
11

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 12

Columbus Day

 13

Barber Shop

10 AM - 1 PM

New Hartford

 14

NYSSD

Relgious Ed







 15

Liverpool Group

10 AM - 2 PM

16





17

Rome if requested
18

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 19 20 21

NYSSD

Religious Ed

 22









23







24

Rome if requested
25

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City10

Whitesboro 11

 26 27 28

NYSSD

Religious Ed

 29 30

Project Emerge

 31

Rome if requested

Halloween
(eve of All Saints' Day)


    October Birthdays

1    Joey Romani
5     Angeline Fitzgerald
11   Donald Holmes
14   Vincent Vicik
16   Beth Thurlow
17   Glynn Gregory
17   Mercedes Windecker
19   Joan Keeffe
20    Melissa (Lansing)  Merdanovic
20    Robin Brennan
22    Melinda Farrell
23    Mary Menotti

         October  Anniversaries

7   Edith & Glynn Gregory
19 Jen & Matt Roberts
22 Suzanne & Leo Falcone
22  Mary & Paul Ryfun  60 Years!!
24  Frances & Bob Harmon
25  Pat & Dan Maher  


St Francis de Sales, Patron of the Deaf:

“Consider that in this life you stand between hell and heaven, with the necessity of making a choice of one or the other.”





     ALL WELCOME to Camp Mark Seven

October 10th 2009 OLD FORGE ROAD RACE followed by  CM7's Famous BBQ 2 PM *

Adults: $10     Children/Seniors: $5   More information: www.campmark7.org



Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

NOVEMBER 2009






1

All Saints Day

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City 10

Whitesboro 11

2

All SoulsDay

 3

Election Day



VOTE!

It's your right

& your duty

 4

NYSSD

Religious Ed

 5

Liverpool Group

10 AM - 2 PM



Diocesan Staff

Retreat 9 - 3

6

Catecetical Leaders

Meeting







 7





Rome if requested
8

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City 10

Whitesboro 11

 9 10

Barber Shop
10 AM - 1 PM
New Hartford

6:47 Holy Cross
Dewitt
Doug Brummel

 11

Veterans Day







 12








13





14

Rome if requested
15

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City 10

Whitesboro 11

 16





DAC Meeting 6

17



18

NYSSD

Religious Ed



NCYC

Kansas City, MO

 19

Liverpool Group

10 AM - 2 PM



NCYC

Kansas City, MO

20





NCYC

Kansas City, MO

 21





NCYC

Kansas City, MO
22

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City 10

Whitesboro 11

NCYC

Kansas City, MO

 23 24 25



26

Thanksgiving

 27







28







29

Fulton Call

Syr SL 9

Syr AS 9:15

Johnson City 10

Whitesboro 11

 30






*






         Birthdays
2    Christopher Sarracino
4    Thomas Debraggio
4     Grace Evans
12   Shirley Cleveland
12   Anthony Rakowski
13   Dennis Debowey
14   Caitlyn Martin
16   Rose Benedict
19   Michael Brennan
20   Nelson Sharpsteen
20   Gari Van Voorhis
23   Dawn Brothers
23   Cherie Byrnes
23   Tim Pardi
23    Emily Read
24   Jennifer Evans
25   Denise Hnelosub
25   Mark Sharpsteen
26   Lillian E Barner
26   Becky Clark
28   Mary Margaret Van Damme
29   Donna Carroll

     November Anniversaries
6   Cherie & Richard  Byrnes
14  Mary & Robert  Menotti



Lighten Up  with  Doug Brummel
 
A celebration of faith and family!  Connecting Faith & Everyday Life

Tuesday,November 10th  (there is no school the next day!)
6:47 PM  at Holy Cross in Dewitt

Interpreter by Request before Nov 1st  at syrdeaf@juno.com  Or call 315-404-5674 (relay)





ALL  INVITED to ICDA 102's ANNUAL THANKSGIVING POTLUCK
at the Barber Shop 10 AM - 1 PM
Tuesday November 10, 2009  St Thomas in New Hartford

Turkey & Beverages provided
Bring food to share & something for the Food Bank (food or $$)
Please let us know if you are coming: syrdeaf@juno.com or 315-404-5674 (V)






Pray for the success of:

XXIV INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE at the Vatican in Rome, Italy
“The Deaf Person in the Life of the Church"
November 19 - 21, 2009
Presented by:PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR HEALTH PASTORAL CARE
Info: www.icfdeafservice.org




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