By Joanne Ward
Diocese of Metuchen to co-host event for deaf
NEW BRUNSWICK – The Diocese of Metuchen, together with the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Camden, Paterson and Trenton, will co-host the First Annual Catholic DeaFest on Saturday, March 18.
Open to all deaf communities throughout the state, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Catholic Center at Rutgers University, 84 Somerset Street.
The day will begin with a presentation delivered by Kate Slosar, who ministers in the Diocese of Camden and serves the deaf communities of Southern New Jersey. Her talk, entitled “Faith in Action,” will demonstrate ways to apply faith in one’s life and will be in ASL and voiced by an interpreter.
The afternoon will feature three workshops: “Catholic Symbols,” “The Prodigal Son,” and “Road to Recovery.” The day will also include exhibit booths, light breakfast, morning prayer, lunch, Mass and a social.
“This is our first event of this kind and we’re very excited about it,” said Tevis Thompson, coordinator of the Deaf Apostolate, Diocese of Metuchen. “It’s a great opportunity for members of deaf communities in our state to come out to share in this empowering experience filled with faith and fellowship.”
The DeaFest is free and open to all. The Catholic Center at Rutgers is fully accessible. For information, contact Deacon Tom Smith, CSW, at 973-497-4312, TTY 973-497-4311 or VP 862-279-7645 or by email at [email protected][email protected].

