This episode of Ministry Monday is sponsored by GIA Publications. Rooted in tradition with a clear focus on the future, Gather—Fourth Edition from GIA Publications features a diverse roster of composers and a wide breadth of musical styles in a worthy hardbound hymnal. Gather—Fourth Edition. Learn more at giamusic.com/hymnals.
September is Deaf Awareness Month in the United States. To a Deaf person, being deaf is not a disability! In fact, it is a subculture of its own that provides new, beautiful ways for worship in our Church. Today we speak to Karen Shepherd, director of the Deaf choir in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for almost 20 years. Karen explores what is a deaf choir, as well as the subtleties of an “interpreted” Mass versus a “signed” Mass. Karen also spearheaded the installation of a “hearing loop” system in her church and shares what we need to know, as pastoral musicians, should we ever want to install one in our own churches.
SHOW NOTES
This episode was originally aired on March 30, 2020. Click here to find the original episode.
BIO: Karen Shepherd
Karen is a retired school teacher after teaching for 33 years. She began working with the deaf community of Pittsburgh at Saint Justin Church, which merged with Saint Mary of the Mount 7 years ago. Karen has been involved as the Deaf Choir Director for almost 20 years, and is now the Coordinator of Deaf Ministries in the South Side/Mount Washington Parish Community in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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