Using American Sign Language and notes on a dry-erase board, catechist Brian Costello is giving an energetic explanation on the trinitarian nature of baptism to three children with hearing impairments.
The students — fourth grader Ashley Martinez, sixth grader Sofia Martinez (cousin) and sixth grader Matthew Arriola Molina — sign back to Costello and nod in agreement. They are nearing the end of their first catechism course that began in the fall at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas.
“Even though I know sign language, I don’t know how to explain it like his teacher does,” said Carmen Molina Morales, mother of Matthew. “He’s always excited to come to his class and to learn what the church teaches.”
Costello, also hearing impaired, took a novel approach to developing the program for the children who are from Spanish-speaking families. “I believe that teaching children about the sacraments is a tremendous grace from God — not just for them but also for me,” he said. “I prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide me to teach my students well, and I believe the presence of the Holy Spirit is evident when we work together.”
Sporting a mullet-cut and a big smile, Matthew spoke personally about the impact the class was having on him. “I want to be a good person and a good friend,” he said in sign language. “I am learning about having a relationship with God in this class and I am excited to receive the grace of God in the Eucharist.”
Students were eager to answer questions about their experience. Each one spoke about their soul. “This helps you to have a good soul, and that makes God very happy,” said Ashley, who will be baptized May 13.
Down the hall of All Saints School, fourth grader Amy Ramos Landaverde, who is blind, answered with confidence when teacher Michele Choi quizzed students about what happens to the bread during the consecration. “It becomes Jesus,” said Amy.
“She is a joy,” said Choi. “We get to see how strong her family’s faith is because she knows so much. When others in class don’t understand something, she’s the one who fills in the gaps — just amazing.”
The task to meet the special needs of the students was embraced by Samantha Welsh, director of religious education. “It is completely heartwarming to hear them laughing and enjoying their classes,” she said. “We have such dedicated catechists who have found a way to involve all of these children and to be able to mainstream them is a beautiful witness. All four of these children were mainstreamed into our first Communion retreats. We had translators and interpreters for our three children who are hearing impaired, and Amy is guided around by a teen assistant.”
“It takes effort to see how we can provide for an appropriate manner of catechesis for children with disabilities,” said Msgr. Lee R. Roos, pastor. “Samantha Welsh is very attuned to these needs. She creatively discovers how we can do something for these children and their families. It is a team effort to carry it through.”
Finding an effective combination of the written word and sign language was a challenge for Costello. But as the students prepare to receive the sacraments, it is clear they are ready.
“What could be more important?” he asked. “It was very challenging but it was a satisfying, grace-filled experience for me. I had to develop unique methods of communicating the church’s teaching and all along, I was aware the students and I were in the presence of God.”
When she’s not answering questions out loud to the rest of the class, Amy is quiet and a bit shy. But she can’t hide her enthusiasm for her first Communion. “It’s really great because soon I will be receiving the Eucharist,” she said. “And that means I’ll be receiving Jesus.”
Asked to consider the most important thing she’s learned, Sofia hesitated for a moment, then signed, “I want to have a good soul,” she said. “I want to love like Jesus and Mary.”
