by Staff Reports – December 18, 2023 – Catholic Star Herald
VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden was recently awarded an $11,400 grant for its Ministry with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities, in support of its programming and spiritual and professional development.
The Father John Foundation for the Handicapped and the Poor, an East Hanover, N.J.-based charitable organization that assists in aiding the homeless and people with disabilities, was responsible for the funds.
The organization is named after its founder, Msgr. John P. Hourihan of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Its giving mission considers programs that are religious, educational, rehabilitational, social and/or vocational in nature, and gives a priority to the deaf and homeless.
Portions of the monies awarded to VITALity will go toward two initiatives planned for 2024. A three-day, two-night adult faith formation retreat is planned for April at Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center, Stone Harbor. The aim is to encourage deaf parishioners to reinvigorate or deepen their faith life, while also fostering spiritual community and connections. The retreat will be facilitated by Father Hugh Bradley, director of the VITALity’s Ministry with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities, along with a nationally recognized deaf speaker.
In summer 2024, VITALity will partner with the neighboring deaf community in Philadelphia to engage both groups in a one-day pilgrimage to a local shrine. Local pilgrimages offer the faithful a chance to be in the presence of God to reconnect, revitalize and renew their faith without the restrictions of traveling abroad.
Mary Ann McDonald, president of the Father John Foundation, praised the good work of VITALity’s Ministry with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities, remarking that the department’s work to the deaf and those with disabilities “would be very close to Father John’s heart, having aligned their mission with his foundation. We’re proud to support them, as they find additional ways to meet the spiritual needs of the deaf community.”
VITALity’s Ministry with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities aims to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion in parish communities for all those with special needs and their families.
Through Masses of Welcome and Inclusion, respect for and appreciation of the unique gifts of the deaf and those with disabilities is encouraged, so they can participate fully in the faith life of the Church.
As well, the ministry supports parishes in offering adaptive catechesis so all can be accommodated and welcomed into the family of the Church; works to advocate for and acquire the appropriate services and resources families need to support their loved ones with disabilities; and provides opportunities to socialize and gather, allowing for further interaction, acceptance and respect of all members within our Church community.
