Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS, Organizes the First Eucharistic Congress for the Catholic Deaf
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are honored that our brother, Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS, organized and led the first-ever Eucharistic Congress for the Catholic Deaf Community, this past weekend, April 4–6, 2025, at The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Maryland.
Pilgrims came from over 25 states and 2 countries, gathered to celebrate, pray, and deepen their devotion to the Eucharist in a setting created specifically for the Deaf community. Fr. Depcik designed the event specifically for deaf people to be able to participate in Mass and devotions. The Participation in services is an area that is lacking in the deaf Catholic community, due to limited access, causing many deaf people to not attend Mass. Through this conference and his ministry, Fr. Depcik hopes to raise awareness of the need for inclusivity.
Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS, is one of only a few culturally Deaf priests worldwide. A trailblazer in Deaf ministry, he was ordained an Oblate priest in 2000 and currently serves the Deaf Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Mike was born and raised in Chicago and is a second-generation member of a Deaf family. He is a graduate of St. Rita School for the Deaf in Cincinnati, OH, and holds two master's degrees: one in Divinity from Ss. Cyril & Methodius Seminary and another in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University.
In addition to the congress, Fr. Depcik’s powerful work in Deaf ministry will be highlighted on national television. Living Divine Mercy, a program produced by the Marian Fathers and aired on EWTN, will feature a story on Fr. Depcik’s ministry in Baltimore. The episode will air on Thursday, April 17, at 10 PM ET.
This historic congress and national spotlight underscore the vibrancy and spiritual depth of the Deaf Catholic community and the profound impact of Fr. Mike Depcik’s ministry.
Read more in “Hundreds of Deaf Catholics to gather for first-ever Deaf Eucharistic Congress,” published by the Catholic News Agency.
*Biography adapted from Signing Savvy
Photos from National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes