Posted October 16, 2012

Catechists and others working with deaf people have a new tool for religious formation. The National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) has produced a video series titled “Strengthen in the Faith: Confirmation.”

Teenagers and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing and are preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation can now study through video lessons in sign language. The series will also assist those wishing to learn the signs for religious vocabulary.

The series premieres at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at St. Joseph’s University’s Doyle Banquet Hall, City Avenue and Cardinal Avenue in Philadelphia.

“Strengthen in the Faith: Confirmation” is a video series that presents religious concepts through lessons in American Sign Language, vignettes on the life of the saints and scripture. Each lesson also includes vocabulary in American Sign Language.

Archbishop Charles Chaput is featured in one of the lessons. Many prominent deaf actors and actresses appear in the series as well as local performers from Philadelphia.

Visit the website of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf or contact Sister Kathleen Schipani at the Philadelphia Archdiocese at 215-587-3913 for more information.