Sign language interpreter steps down from Mass duty

Monica Short has developed what she calls "a close relationship with the deaf community."

Twenty-five years ago, her one-year-old son was diagnosed with complete deafness, but the relationship she describes actually began years before that when she learned sign language.

"When my husband and I learned our son was deaf, we were somewhat prepared," said the parishioner of St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland.

Mrs. Short became involved in the ministry of interpretation of weekend liturgies because "I thought if my own son were in the congregation, I'd want him to have the benefit of sign language interpretation."

Step one

Initial courses that a person takes in sign language "can be somewhat scary," Mrs. Short admitted. "There are set ways of holding one's hands, and the slightest change in position can mean different things. You can change the entire meaning of a thought or phrase by one simple movement."

In order to be effective in sign language, she added, one must use the entire body to achieve fluency and quick-thinking to interpret what is being said.

"Learning sign language and interpretation is a long process. I've been doing this for over 25 years, and I'm still learning," she said.

Mass signs

Interpreting a Mass can be easy or a challenge, depending on how fast the celebrant speaks and the volume of his voice. It is also dependent upon how quickly the prayers and responses are recited, and how lectors declare the Word.

"Preparation beforehand is very important," Mrs. Short said. "You can't just show up and expect to efficiently interpret the liturgy without first becoming familiar with the prayers and readings for that week.

"You keep picking up little things as you go along, and eventually you learn what you want to convey to others."

Cutting back

Recently, Mrs. Short made the difficult decision to end her ministry as a signer.

"I have family and job commitments that are coming into conflict with my signing at Masses," she explained. "I've decided to stop for a while. I didn't take this leaving lightly. It is a very important ministry because it allows the deaf to fully participate in the Mass.

"I have learned from deaf parishioners the importance of complete involvement in liturgy. They have taught me so much. It has been a wonderful experience for me."

(Mrs. Short is available for signing at specific religious occasions by appointment. Call 355-0421 to contact her. To register for American Sign Language courses, contact the Capital District BOCES office at 862-4900 or visit www.capregboces.org. Catholics who wish to attend an interpreted liturgy can attend the 10 a.m. Mass at Christ the King Church in Westmere.)

(9/27/07)