ABOUT US //
Hudson Valley Catholic Deaf Center (HVCDC) is a program of Catholic Charities Community Services. For almost 35 years HVCDC has served the Catholic Deaf Community in the northern counties of the Archdiocese of New York. These counties include Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster and Rockland. Our staff is mobile throughout our service area. Our office is located in the city of Poughkeepsie and is accessible by bus, train and car. HVCDC is also Chapter #99 of the International Catholic Deaf Association-US (ICDA).
We minister to persons who are Deaf or hearing impaired through adult Bible classes, interpreted Masses, religious education classes, counseling, sign language interpreting and social activities.
OUR MISSION //
is to support the faith life of Deaf/Hard of hearing Persons who use sign language as their principle means of communication by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through spiritual, social, and catechetical programs in the northern counties of the Archdiocese of New York — Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland.
A Program of Catholic Charities
of the Archdiocese of New York
218 Church Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4105
- 845 345-8396(vp)
- 845 452-1400 ext 4212 (voice)
- 845 452-3336(fax)
- 845 452-3338 (tty)
Coordinator of Deaf Pastoral Services
Parish Vigil / Sunday and Holy Day Masses /
Masses for the Deaf community:
(Please see our newsletter or contact us for Mass times and schedule changes.)
First Sunday
Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Brewster, N.Y.
Second Sunday
Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
St. Mary Mother of the Church, Fishkill, N.Y.
St. Paul Church, Congers, N.Y. [Coffee Social after Mass]
Third Sunday
St. Joseph Church, New Paltz, N.Y. (9 months)
Mass for Deaf community and Pot Luck Social
[Note: Jan/July/August: Holy Trinity, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.]
St. John the Evangelist Church, Goshen, N.Y.
Fourth Sunday
Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Fifth Sunday (when applicable)
Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Pastoral-Catechetical Services
Network with parishes to provide:
- Religious Education/Sacramental Preparation for children who are Deaf/hard of hearing
- RCIA for Deaf adults wanting to become Catholic
- Marriage Preparation
- Offer adult faith formation classes and spiritual development activities
- Promote Catholic social teaching
- Visit those who are home-bound, in hospitals/nursing homes or imprisoned
- Network/provide assistance with social services
- Provide pastoral support as appropriate
Social activities:
- Social after Mass for Deaf
- Monthly lunch/games
- Annual picnic/special events
- Lay Ministry training
- Prepare lectors, readers for Masses
- Prepare Eucharistic ministers
- Enrichment
- Deaf community newsletter
- Resource Library (books and other media)
- Deaf awareness presentations
- Spirituality/retreat workshops
- Support Deaf Cursillo
Network with other pastoral workers in Deaf ministry to offer additional workshops/services
- ASL Interpretation
- Sacramental liturgies
- Funeral liturgies
- Engaged Encounter weekends
- Preparation for marriage
- Marriage Encounter weekends
- Religious Education parent classes
- Appointments at Catholic Charities Community services as appropriate