Thriving Los Angeles parish serves Deaf community
Holy Angels Catholic Church of the Deaf in Vernon, Los Angeles, has become a vibrant spiritual home for the Deaf community, blending faith and accessibility to create an engaging worship experience.
The church, established in 1987 by then-Archbishop Roger Mahony, is dedicated to creating a space where Deaf Catholics can fully participate in Mass through American Sign Language (ASL), visual aids, and other practices, according to Angelus, the Archdiocese’s official newsletter.
Led by its longtime pastor, Father Tom Schweitzer, who is himself Deaf, Holy Angels ensures that every aspect of the Mass is accessible. Volunteers support the service with ASL interpreters, captions, and visuals, even incorporating tactile elements like vibrating drums to help the Deaf and hard-of-hearing parishioners feel the music. The parish also broadcasts Mass via Zoom to reach those who are unable to attend in person.