After much deliberation, we will not print a revised version of the CDA's Sacramentary, in book form; instead, we will upload the text onto our CDA website in both WORD and PDF formats. We suggest that you download, print and insert them into your present CDA Sacramentary file. Perhaps you could buy a new file or binder and decorate it with a nice front cover? The reasons for this decision are because of our on-going work adapting the Mass into sign language, we will not be able to complete the whole Roman Missal by the end of November 2011. Hopefully, as we progress through the next year, 2012, we will complete adapting the text of the new Roman Missal and be able to upload instalments onto our CDA website. Later in 2012, we will upload other sacramental celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and funerals etc onto the CDA website. We believe that, with the power of the internet and the ease of technology, we can reach more Deaf communities where Mass in English is used. Another reason is to ease the burden of administration (collecting orders, printing, packing and posting etc); and of course, our conscience and yours, of respecting God's creation by saving world trees and paper. Without promising anything, we will also endeavour to upload video clips, in sign language, of each Sunday's mass prayers and preface but this will be in YouTube, not CDA website. The CDA's YouTube username is cdauk71 (the Catholic Deaf Association was established in 1971). Click here to go direct to CDA's YouTube. The sign language used in the translated Roman Missal is not truly BSL as such, but SSE (Signed Supported English) but with strong BSL features, especially facial expressions and placement. We will eventually produce DVDs of the Mass in sign language. At the moment, the video clips have been uploaded onto YouTube and CDA's website (www.cda-uk.com – select 'video' tab) so that you can view, prepare and practise. Unfortunately, our expertise is such that these YouTube video clips for the time being do not have voice. Feedback is very important for our work and we rely on your comments and suggestions. One of the feedbacks we have received is the use of voice. When the DVDs are produced, there will be soundtrack. At the moment, all the video clips uploaded onto YouTube do not have 'voice' this is because the committee members filmed themselves in Memorial Hall (within St Patrick's Church at Hollywood House, Manchester) and then edited on a home computer before being uploaded.

All the video clips are still in draft form. We have already spotted several mistakes and other signs which we thought could be redone clearer. Translation work is an on-going process; therefore, your feedback will be important. We will take note of your comments as we update the YouTube video clips before the DVD is produced.

The committee
The committee appointed by the national Catholic Deaf Association UK has been meeting regularly to look at the revised Roman Missal, the draft translated adaption, and to find signs (in our British Sign Language) that will reflect the meaning and nuances of the new written text as accurately as possible. The committee members have been chosen for their skills and experience in BSL/English: Fr Paul Fletcher SJ, a deaf priest with over fifteen years of experience working with the Deaf communities throughout the country and an ThM with distinction in liturgy; Eileen Hosie, a former teacher of deaf children; Angela Davies who offers training in BSL/Deaf Awareness; Peter McDonough, a former priest with an MA in Sign linguistics and Diploma in Teacher of the Deaf; Sr Maria McCready, a registered/qualified Sign Language Interpreter with 40 year experience with the Deaf community; Cath Corish and Terence Harton who have been involved in various capacities in their local Deaf communities. All on the committee are CCRS (Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies) graduates/tutors. We have also regularly consulted others active in liturgical celebrations with the Deaf community, and are especially grateful for the advice and expertise of Fr David Quilligoti of Salford Diocese.

Both Peter and Paul are continuing to re-write and adapt the Sacramentary for use with Deaf people. For the print format of the CDA Sacramentary in WORD and PDF format, click the following:





Please note, the page ordering will be done when the whole CDA Sacramentary is completed. Please keep us in your prayers. We look forward to receiving your comments.