This ministry supports deaf Catholic people in Western New York. The parish home of the Buffalo Catholic Deaf Ministry is now located at 14 Holy Helpers Church, 1350 Indian Church Rd. in West Seneca, NY. Fr. Jerry Skrzynski has been appointed as the Director of the Deaf Ministry for the Diocese of Buffalo. Due to health issues Sr. Conchetta is no longer able to take on this role.
Deaf Ministry Links …
….. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buffalocatholicdeaf
….. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduttDji79a8qLj_sIbgQZg
….. Informational Brochure: Brochure PDF LINK
Brief History … The Diocese of Buffalo has reached out to Catholic Deaf Persons since 1880 when Bishop Ryan ordained Rev. Patrick S. Dunne who would become the first resident Chaplain at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. Since then a number of priests have served as Chaplains for Catholic Deaf Persons here in Western New York. Throughout most of its history the Catholic Deaf Apostolate had been based at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. However, in 1989 it was determined that the ministry should assume more of a parish identity. It was then that Our Lady Help of Christians Parish In Cheektowaga, NY became the home base with Rev. Conrad Stachowiak as its Director. In 1997 it moved to St. Augustine Parish in Depew, NY. In 2009 it again relocated to Resurrection Parish in Cheektowaga, NY. After Fr. Conrad retired in 2019 it remained there for a brief time. In March of 2021, the Catholic Deaf Apostolate’s new home became 14 Holy Helpers Parish in West Seneca, NY. thanks to its generous welcoming Pastor, Rev. David Bellittiere. In 2023 Fr. Jerry Skrzynski was appointed as the Director of the Deaf Ministry for the Diocese of Buffalo.
Ministry Services available …
….. Interpreted Masses: Every Sunday you are invited to join us in person at the 10 :00 AM Mass at 14 Holy Helpers. While church Covid capacity restrictions are in effect, 14 Holy Helpers is holding two simultaneous Masses at 10:00 AM on Sunday, one Mass in the Church and another in the Parish Hall. Until restrictions are eased, the interpreted Mass is in the Parish Hall. When restrictions are eased we plan on having a Social after Mass on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Please keep checking our Facebook page where we will announce when the Socials will start.
If you are not able to attend Mass in person, an interpreted Mass is broadcast on WGRZ – Channel 2 every Sunday at 11:00 AM which is taped at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY.
….. Interpreting for religious services: An interpreter can be requested for special occasions (weddings, 
funerals, parish programs) by contacting Sister Conchetta at 716-601-8887 voice/text. Please consider calling if any of your family members will be attending who need sign language to fully participate in the celebration. Staff is limited so requests will be honored on a “first come, first serve” basis. Contact can also be made through e-mail at BuffaloCatholicDeaf@gmail.com.
….. Sign Language Classes: Sign Language classes are offered to anyone who may be interested in communicating with Deaf Persons. The course is offered for ten weeks in the Fall and continued for ten weeks in the Spring. There is a fee for these classes. However, if you are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing or have someone in your family who is Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing there is no charge. A second level is offered for those who are interested in returning a second year. Also, any person who already has sign skills and who wants to interpret in religious settings can contact Sister Conchetta for tutoring. Click on the form below for a printable PDF page which you can submit for registration.
St. Francis of DeSales
Patron of Deaf Persons,
Pray for us!
