A couple weeks ago, I posted the item about Boston’s new deaf priest. And recently the Religion News Service caught up with Fr. Shawn Carey to ask him a few questions about his singular vocation. They exchanged some Q&A emails with him. An excerpt:

Q: What was it like growing up as a deaf Catholic?

A: Back then, there were no (deaf) interpreters in the Catholic Church and in the Catholic schools. It was a frustrating journey, but I managed to overcome the obstacles. Today, more deaf Catholics can attend Masses and receive sacraments through deaf priests or hearing priests who knows how to use sign language. It is critical that deaf must have access to their spiritual needs, otherwise, they will be stranded on an island with no spiritual experience.

Q: A lot of priests talk about the time they first “heard the call.” What was that like for you, as someone who was born deaf?

A: The best way to describe my calling is that I have “witnessed” many calls from God through the people I ministered to during youth ministry, visits with deaf patients at hospitals and nursing homes, CCD, and many other programs. I recalled one “visual” call from God when a deaf resident at the New England Home for the Deaf told me that she sees me making a great priest. Through the help of frequent spiritual direction during my discernment, I then realized that God had revealed through this deaf resident. For people who are discerning whether they are being called or not, be sure to keep your eyes open for the revelations from God.

Q: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a deaf priest?

A: There are no disadvantages at all of being deaf for a priest. The hearing are able to see my signings during Mass at the same time they hear the voice-interpretation. The hearing parishioners really enjoyed a new experience in the sign-language Mass with voice-interpretation, and they look forward to more of my Masses. Being a deaf priest brings an exciting exposure to both the deaf and the hearing; I have always wanted to bridge the gap between them.

Q: What kind of adjustments do you have make to minister to the hearing, as well as to fellow deaf Catholics?

A: So far, I am able to minister to the hearing either one-on-one conversation through lip-reading and using my speech practices, or with a sign language interpreter. It is working so well! As for deaf Catholics, they see me as a reliable advocate for them in the church, in getting access for them to participate in liturgies and receive sacraments.

Check out the link for more.