“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28:19–20
We are diverse Catholics united in Christ. We follow the Gospel’s call, live out our faith, and share our lives in services to others.
K-12 Formation
We offer religious education to all Deaf children in kindergarten to eighth grade through the REACH Program at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville. Classes are taught in American Sign Language (ASL) so the students have full access to learning and understanding the Bible and living their faith that will serve them throughout life. Interested in K–12 formation for your child/ren? Contact Renata Cichowicz at [email protected].
Adult Formation
Religious education is no longer just for children; adults must also be nourished, challenged, and supported. Are you ready to discover more, or to develop your faith? Do you want to deepen your relationship with Jesus and our community? If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or in completing the Sacraments of Initiation as an adult, you can find out about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) by emailing Renata Cichowicz at [email protected].
Bible Study
We offer Bible Study sessions for Deaf Catholics. We will focus on different Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments in ASL for a better understanding of the Bible and how it applies to our daily lives.
Ministry Formation Program (MFP)
The purpose of MFP is to train Deaf Catholics to become effective lay leaders in their Church ministry. For almost 30 years, MFP has been preparing Deaf persons to take on leadership roles in their respective home parishes and dioceses. It was established in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1993 to serve the people in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. It quickly grew to include the neighboring states and now has and is serving students in 14 states.
Completion of the MFP program will prepare candidates to receive Ministerial Certificates and to serve in a variety of ministries in their community. These could include Bible Study, Care Ministry, Liturgical Ministry, Sacramental Formation (children, youth & adults), and many more.
All coursework takes place online. Classes are taught in ASL, and it may take up to three years to complete the program. For more information about MFP, contact Renata Cichowicz.
Deaf Ministry Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental Preparation (Deaf Ministry)
Sacramental Preparation
Deaf Ministry provides support to parishes by providing formation in American Sign Language (ASL) in order to provide persons with hearing loss full access to the Catholic faith.
Our ministry goal is to follow Jesus’s example and continue His earthly ministry of bringing healing and salvation to all, but in a special way to the people we serve. In addition to signed and interpreted Sunday Masses in ASL, the Deaf Ministry works with parishes to provide complete sacramental access:
Religious Education for for K–12 Deaf or hearing children from Deaf parents (First Communion/Confirmation)
Classes for Baptisms
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Pre-Cana (wedding) courses
Individual and couple pastoral counseling
Adult O.C.I.A. sessions
Ministerial/Eucharstic volunteer training
Signed wake and funeral liturgies (click here to request an interpreter)
