ALVAREZ: ASL interpreted Sensory Friendly Mass to be held Jan. 14

Warren Chapel at St. Dominic Village. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

All are invited to an “American Sign Language Sensory Friendly Mass” conducted in collaboration with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry and the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities. The two offices are excited to partner and provide an opportunity for community and fellowship. The event is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Warren Chapel in St. Dominic Village, located at 2401 Holcombe Blvd. in Houston.

The Directory for Catechesis the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization states: “The Church’s solicitude for persons with disabilities springs from God’s way of acting. Following the principle of the incarnation, the Church recognizes in persons with disabilities the call to faith and to a life that is good and full of meaning” (DC #269).

We are called to take care of the most fragile and to also see the presence of Jesus in them. Some of us may be drawn to a particular ministry, for example, the elderly or those incarcerated or simply caring for infants, but we are all called to the mission of welcoming and including persons with disabilities.

Two years ago, my neighborhood experienced an unexpected crisis. Our homes shook at the impact of a nearby deadly explosion. I remember all my neighbors coming out to checking on each other immediately after and then first responders evacuating us from our homes. In that moment, I was that person in need, and to see the flocks of support from people and family was amazing. I know we have all been in a place of need in the past years with the pandemic.

We have all been impacted in some way, and one thing that we can affirm is that we have all experienced a helping hand, whether that was a well check from someone or a random stranger set by our guardian angel at the perfect time.

Either way, it’s time to lend that charity back to those in need. Not just because the holidays are here but because we should be exercising charity year-round. Hold the door for someone who is using a walker or a wheelchair next time at Mass. Or maybe going out of your way to wave and smile at a person with a disability and letting them go in front of you in line to check out at the grocery store.

Jesus knew who needed His healing and presence, so He cleansed the leper, healed the paralytic, cured the epileptic, helped the lame, maimed, blind, mute and many others.

Jesus did just that; He went out of His way and took notice of the needy. “And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, what do you want me to do for you? He said, Lord let me receive my sight. And Jesus said to him, receive your sight; your faith has made you well” (Lk 18:40-42).

Who is the leper of today? Are we eager to help them, or do we pass them off? Every day is an opportunity to help others know Jesus and, like Our Mother Mary, show them where Jesus is. 

Melissa Alvarez is an assistant associate director in the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities in the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.