National Chaplaincy for Deaf People

The team of the NCDP are involved in many different kinds of work at a pastoral level. We are involved in the celebration of Mass with members of the Deaf Community in many parts of Ireland throughout the year.

We provide chaplaincy services to the four Deaf schools in Dublin and support for pupils and their parents in mainstream schools and schools that have deaf units attached. We provide help support and preparation for Deaf people for all of the Sacraments at their request.

• Home and Hospital Visits
• Bereavement support and Spiritual support
• Private Councelling
• Deaf Advocating
• Training for Ministry
• Annual lead retreats and pilgrimage to Lourdes and other places of interest

We provide interpreting services at diocesan and national religious ceremonies and are available to interpret at religious events such as Baptism, Weddings, First Communion, Confirmation and Funerals.

Our Funding

The National Chaplaincy for Deaf People is a Catholic chaplaincy service is funded in part by members of the Deaf Community, The Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, and The Catholic Institute for Deaf People (CIDP), and the Catholic Bishops of Ireland.

Weekday Masses
Mass is celebrated at 9.15am, Mon, Tue, Thur & Friday in The Deaf Club. (Sept to July)

Sunday Masses
Every Saturday Evening at 7.30pm Mass is celebrated in the Emmaus Chapel, St. Vincent’s Club for the Deaf, 40 Lower Drumcondra Road. Dublin 9.
Mass is celebrated each Sunday in St. Josephs House, Brewery Road, Stillorgan. Usually at 11am.

How do I work with an Interpreter?

• 1. Be comfortable with the interpreter; the interpreter's job is to facilitate communication. Everything that is interpreted will remain confidential for the interpreter; it is a violation of interpreting ethics to reveal anything communicated while interpreting to an outside party.
• 2. Speak naturally, clearly and at a normal pace; the interpreter will inform the speaker if he or she needs to adjust the pace of speaking.
• 3. Allow extra time for responses and discussion; the interpreter will be a little behind the conversation.
• 4. Face the Deaf person(s) while speaking; this will feel awkward at first, since the Deaf person(s) will be watching the interpreter and may not always be in direct eye contact with the speaker.
• 5. When working with an interpreter always speak directly to the Deaf person. Avoid phrases such as "Tell him..." or "Ask her ... "; speak as if the interpreter were not there.
• 6. Avoid asking the interpreter for an opinion or to explain something.

The National Chaplaincy for Deaf People
40 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin, 9 offers referrals for diocesan contacts for interpreting in religious settings.
Phone: 01 830 5744
Fax: 01 860 0284
Email: office@ncdp.ie

Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS)
c/o Citizens Information Board, Hainault House, The Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Phone: 353 1 4139670
Fax: 353 1 4139677
Mobile: 087-9806996
Email: slis@slis.ie

SLIS is the national agency for the provision of sign language interpreting services in Ireland.

Bridge Interpreting
Tel/Text 0879046594
Email: office@bridgeinterpreting.ie
Booking Email: bookings@bridgeinterpreting.ie
For situations lasting two or more hours, two (or more) interpreters should be used and should rotate every 20 to 30 minutes, at the interpreters' discretion.

• 1. Interpreting at Mass or any liturgical celebration demands a special role on the part of the interpreter. The interpreter "facilitates communication so that the parties involved have equal access to information." In a prayer setting, an interpreter's role is not merely to convey information, but to facilitate the Deaf people's "full and active participation" in the liturgy.
• 2. At most liturgies, a single interpreter works throughout. When a Deaf person proclaims the readings in sign language, the interpreter proclaims the readings orally (voices the readings).
• 3. It is never appropriate to place the Deaf congregation and the interpreter "on the side" or out of sight of the liturgy. The visual element is vital for Deaf people as they need to see the actions of the priest and what is happening around the altar area.
• 4. Deaf persons must focus on the interpreter for everything that is spoken. For Deaf persons to be able to see - and to participate - in the action of the liturgy, it is necessary for the interpreter be as close as possible to that action. This means that the interpreter will stand near the priest at the chair, the pulpit, and the altar and near the lector during the readings. In churches with very large sanctuaries, such as a cathedral, it may be advantageous for the Deaf participants if the interpreter is closer to them, outside the sanctuary. If that is the case, then the interpreter should be in line of sight with the altar.
• 5. The interpreter should be given a copy of all texts used in the service in advance; such as readings, petitions, lyrics for all songs, commentary and if possible the homily. An interpreter may wish to have a music stand during the service to enable quick reference to a text.
• 6. When an Interpreter is present for a liturgical celebration, it is important to be sure adequate lighting is provided for the interpreter. Often liturgical celebrations will use dimmed lighting in a prayerful setting. This is difficult for Deaf people attending, since they are unable to see the interpreter. In such cases, special lighting should be available to illuminate the interpreter.
• 7. Some song lyrics are difficult to translate into sign language. Ideally, a representative of the Deaf community or an interpreter can be part of the liturgy planning process, to enable a selection that is meaningful and accessible to all.
• 8. One would need to be sensitive to the situation i.e. a funeral, by checking out with the family beforehand as to how they would like the interpreter to stand on the sanctuary or move elsewhere to respect the grieving family's wishes.
• 9. It would be necessary for the interpreter to check with the Deaf congregation which mode of sign language they would prefer .... ISL or SSE. It may not be possible to facilitate the person in their preference, but every effort should be made. It is equally important for the interpreter to check with the priest of the Liturgy beforehand to explain the work of an interpreter during these services. The priest may feel ill at ease with the presence of interpreter and may resent the fact that all the attention is focused on the interpreter. Some will be adaptable and welcoming while others may be a little hesitant and less facilitating.