99%. What does that number mean? 99% is the number of Deaf people all over the United States who are not affiliated with any church at all.
Why? The reasons include no access or no sense of belonging. So many individuals have left the Catholic Church because they do not understand the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith. Additionally, up until now, there has been a lack of Catholic resources accessible to the Deaf.
ASL YOUCAT is a national project to translate the Youth Catechism (YOUCAT) into American Sign Language (ASL) in order to help evangelize our Deaf brothers and sisters in Christ who do not know Catholicism. This is the first time a Catholic Catechism as been translated into ASL!
"This is very helpful for me to have materials to help catechize Deaf people. I am in seminary and still learning ASL. I struggle to translate English to ASL-- it is time-consuming for me. Any links to materials posted on the internet would be appreciated." - Edmond IIg
"Finally! I am so glad this project exists. Yes, please more direct access to Catholic things in ASL! Everyone should have the opportunity to access and grow in their faith. Thank you from me and so many of my Deaf friends!" - Jenna Kish