DEAF MINISTRY — Members of Saskatoon’s hearing-impaired Catholic community stand with Roberto Godoybaca, who acts as an interpreter in sign-language at weekly mass. From the left, back row: Godoybaca, Audrey Laliberte, Jerome Kalinowski, Eugene Droucher and John Storey; front row: Vi Dittrick, Edward Dittrick, Dianne St. Pierre and Lydia Storey. (Godoybaca photo)


Deaf ministry keeps faith growing


By Kristine Scarrow


SASKATOON — Roberto Godoybaca provides sign language interpreting at mass for the Catholic deaf community every week at St. Paul’s Cathedral. He says it is a role he feels privileged to fill.


His journey to providing this ministry started back in 1989 while he was in the seminary, where he studied until 1992.


While there, Godoybaca met a woman from a religoius order who came to the seminary to ask if anyone was interested in learning sign language. Initially, the entire seminary group started out in the class, but only Godoybaca persevered until the end.


One day he was asked if he wanted to meet people who communicate in sign language.


“I remember my fingers were shaking when I was spelling my name and I was so embarrassed,” Godoybaca says with a laugh. “But the deaf people were wonderful and welcoming. They feel honoured that someone is learning their language. They go out of their way to help you, teach you and answer questions when you don’t know a particular sign for a word or idea.”


It wasn’t long before Godoybaca was able to interpret. “They are patient and I’m a sociable person. I like to visit and talk, so I guess I learned the language pretty quickly.”


Godoybaca has been providing sign language interpreting for 18 years. He provides services for funerals, brings communion to those who are sick and makes both home and hospital visits. At one time, he also offered Bible study.


Godoybaca estimates there is an average attendance of about 10 people for mass each week.


“There are some who have been with me for the whole time, for 18 years,” remarks Godoybaca. “It’s amazing. Many go to church every Sunday. Even when I am sick, they still attend, even though they can’t hear anything.”


Hearing-impaired parishioners who communicate through sign language often bring their families to watch and listen to the mass.


When Godoybaca left the seminary, he returned to university to become a teacher. In addition to providing sign language interpreting, he also teaches at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Saskatoon.


“I like serving in the church. I feel I want to be a part of it even if I can’t be a priest,” notes Godoybaca. “At least I can do a little bit for the community. I like to be involved. It’s one way to keep my faith growing.”