March 26, 2025

By Keith Benman
Contributing Writer

There is a unique and quiet expressiveness to the prayers of Jessica Brooks and Laurie Cosgrove at the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass at Notre Dame Church, part of St. André Bessette Parish in Malone.

Side-by-side in a pew near the front, their hands dance before them in a rapid series of elegant gestures as they recite the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and others in silence.

The two are saying the prayers in American Sign Language. Both are fluent. Brooks has a college degree in the language. For Cosgrove, it’s a primary way she can communicate – both with those who are deaf, like her, as well as those who can hear but know the language, like Brooks.

“It’s just helping her out in the best way I can, and helping her participate in the Mass more than she was able to in the past,” said Brooks of their signing together at the Saturday evening Mass week after week.

Brooks’ and Cosgrove’s silent sharing of Mass responses and prayers is something Catholics in the Ogdensburg Diocese will see more of in the future. The diocese is launching a Deaf Ministry to reach out to Catholics throughout the diocese for whom deafness may be an impediment to fully sharing in the Faith.

“The use of sign language will help to bring the two worlds, the deaf world and the hearing world, together and make them one in the sight of God,” said Father Fernando Solomon, Jr.

Father Solomon, who is also fluent in American Sign Language, is the chaplain for the new ministry. Brooks is serving as staff interpreter and coordinator. The two met when Father Solomon was serving as parochial vicar at St. André Bessette Parish in Malone. In addition to doing American Sign Language interpreting in the pews, the two have signed from the altar at Notre Dame Church at some Masses. Father Solomon now serves as parochial vicar at St. Peter’s Parish, in Massena.

Diocesan surveys and outreach have identified communities where there are deaf Catholics desiring to be more included in the Mass and other activities. They include Malone, Watertown, Massena, Plattsburgh and Brushton.

As part of the Deaf Ministry, American Sign Language interpreters will be made available for Masses, weddings, baptisms, funerals and other rites when requested. Bible study classes, instruction in American Sign Language, and fellowship opportunities will also be offered.

Father Solomon said in essence the use of sign language makes the word of God visible for those not able to physically hear it. It makes the spoken word of God more concrete. For him, it recalls the words of the Gospel of John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

When they first started signing from the Altar at Notre Dame, Father Solomon and Brooks were both concerned it might be distracting for those who can hear. That fear was quickly dispelled.

“People have come up to me and told me how much they love it,” Brooks said.

An opening Mass for the Deaf Ministry is planned for this spring. It will include Bishop Terry R. LaValley. Priests and others in deaf ministry at other parishes will also be invited.