Article by PIHDM
The Parish Integral Human Development (PIHD) Ministry of the Church of the Divine Mercy is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its inaugural ten-week basic sign language course, which commenced on May 18, 2024. This milestone, facilitated by our Catholic Ministry for the Deaf, was joyfully marked by a memorable graduation ceremony on August 10, 2024.
The course attracted a diverse group of participants from various ministries within the parish who actively engage in works of mercy through PIHD. These included members of the Ministry of the Poor, Migrant Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Catechist Ministry, Medical Team, and KUBM. The students underwent three evaluations—at the first, second, and third milestones—before graduating.
The graduation was attended by members of the Deaf community, as well as Father Michael Chua and Father George Harrison. This event marked the first time participants had the opportunity to interact with members of the Deaf community.
This milestone signifies the successful completion of a transformative journey for our twenty participants, who embraced the art of sign language with dedication and perseverance. Their efforts have not only enhanced their ability to communicate with and support our Deaf community but also deepened their commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
Their achievement reflects our parish’s mission of Integral Human Development, where every voice and every person is valued. By integrating sign language into our ministry, we promote effective communication and uphold the values of inclusivity and empathy which are central to our mission. This integration supports our goal of empowering all individuals, regardless of their abilities, and ensures that every voice is heard and valued within our community. Embracing sign language helps us build a more compassionate and interconnected parish, where everyone can contribute to and benefit from our shared journey of growth and support.
Looking ahead, we will continue to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, embracing faith as an ongoing journey of trust, mission, and connection. The Catholic Ministry for the Deaf plans to expand on this successful course by offering follow-up programs and organizing additional opportunities for exposure to the Deaf community.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the team from the Catholic Ministry for the Deaf, particularly Coordinator Melina Sylvia Ann, and her dynamic team members Max Lim, Geraldine John, Anthony Lim, and Adrienne Lim, whose dedication and enthusiasm made this endeavour possible.
As we move forward, we are reminded that “Faith is not a destination; it’s a journey. To follow Christ is to continually step out of the boat and walk on water, trusting that He will sustain us through the storms and uncertainties of life.”