(RNS4-JAN10) California physician Fred Hass has developed the cologne used by Pope Pius IX,
seen here, in the 18th century. See RNS-10-MINUTES, transmitted Jan. 10, 2007. Religion News
Service photo.

(UNDATED) Shawn Carey of Wrentham, Mass., became America’s 11th deaf Catholic priest on May 23. A former investment mutual funds analyst, he graduated from St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif. on May 8, where he had studied for six years before returning to Boston for his ordination.

Carey, 36, will now serve as assistant director of the Deaf Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Boston and as parochial vicar for St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton, Mass.

Carey, who communicates predominantly through sign language, communicated by e-mail about his plans. Some answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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.

Q: Are you in touch with other deaf priests? How do you support each other?

A: I am always in touch with other deaf priests as a way to support each other and also to visit each other from time to time. Last summer, I attended the 3rd Annual Deaf Diocesan Seminar, which consisted of workshops, participating Masses, and discussions with other deaf seminarians studying for the priesthood.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: This will be entirely up to the bishop of the archdiocese, as he is the one who decides which priest is to be placed where, although I would very much like to work to promote deaf vocations in diocesan and religious life. I’d also like to do an outreach to the world on assisting other Catholic churches on providing access to deaf Catholics.