The ‘ Choir of Angels ’ signs the way to inclusion
Minna and the Choir of Angels . Do you know anyone who deserves a Luke 5 award ?
Our latest ‘ Luke 5 Award ’ goes to a children ’ s choir who decided to learn sign language to help include a member of their church .
The ‘ Choir of Angels ’ from Sacred Heart & St . Francis parish , Gorton , Manchester , was nominated for the award by Minna Moffatt-Feldman . Minna told us , “ I am Deaf . I use British Sign Language and speech . I cannot follow hymns or music or speech fully … This [ the ‘ Choir of Angels ’] is a group of children aged 7-16 . Without my lead , they have taken it upon themselves to incorporate signing into their songs so I can be included .”
As a result , Minna says she has truly “ felt included and become more interested in the sung words and their meanings . Before , I missed out on this part of worship and at times felt sad … It is wonderful how the choir have encouraged the whole parish to be involved and open up awareness even more – indeed the choir have been the role model .”
The Choir of Angels was stunned to receive the award – Minna had kept it a surprise ! The children told us …
Michelle , age 11 – It gives our choir a different touch and makes it way better . And if any other deaf people join , they will feel even more welcome and special . I can ’ t wait to learn more .
Deborah , age 10 – I feel happy when I sign , especially with others . I think it is really cool that we are helping individuals in our parish , as well as doing something that we love . I am really surprised at how the language has grown and how it has become a normal thing in our parish over time .
Isabella , age 7 – Singing whilst signing is good because the deaf will feel included and know what we ’ re singing to praise God . Also , people will know a bit of sign language ; that good skill will make people proud of themselves .
Joseph , age 12 – I feel happy that sign language has been introduced to our parish because it helped us learn a new way to help people with a disability ( deaf people ). Sign language will also help us in the future because we might find more deaf people and they might not be able to lip-read .
Samuella , age 7 – I like signing while singing because it helps people who have hearing problems know what you are saying . I also like it because it will teach people a bit of sign language .
Hope , age 17 – Thank you , God , for showing a different way of getting your Word to be spread to everybody . For truly you are for everyone , and you accept anyone to be in your ever-growing family .
Minna is proud of them and grateful that they have become so aware of barriers faced by deaf people . The choir also use drums and other instruments , often played in a way that Minna can feel the vibrations . This whole experience has really encouraged the parish , who are now all asking to learn some sign language . It ’ s the plan now to teach them all , and the choir have really led the way . Congratulations , Choir of Angels !
For more information about the Luke 5 award , please visit www . throughtheroof . org , or contact janet @ throughtheroof . org .
www . throughtheroof . org