WHEN PATRICIA Zline was a little girl, she loved the movie The Miracle Worker. Zline was enthralled by the story of Annie Sullivan breaking down the silence that imprisoned Helen Keller through finger spelling.
Now Zline is sharing the experience by signing for the hearing-impaired at 12:30 p.m. Sunday Masses at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Crofton.
Zline studied sign language at community colleges in Florida and Maryland during her career as a Navy wife. With her husband retired from the military and the family settled in Laurel, she undertook the interpreting program at Catonsville Community College, learning how to "translate" from spoken English to sign language. In her practicum work, she was a signing interpreter at meetings and at doctors' appointments.
After taking part in liturgical signing workshops offered by the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Deaf Ministry, she was delighted to receive a call from Ellie Menosky, asking her to sign at the Crofton church.
Menosky, a member of Seton's Pastoral Council, had become aware of the need for a signing ministry when she met two children attending Mass with their grandparents. The family had recently moved here, and the parents, who are hearing-impaired, were distraught that they could not fully participate in the Mass because no area Catholic churches offered signing. So, Menosky got to work.
After a lot of research, she was put in touch with Zline, whose response was, "Oh! I've been waiting to hear from you!"
For the past month, Zline has taken part in the 12:30 p.m. liturgy, opening up the service to the hearing-impaired and enriching the experience even for those who hear. Standing at a lectern near the altar, she signs along with the songs, the homily, the readings and the Eucharistic rite.
Her goal is to be clear and to convey what is being said without being a distraction from the ceremony. With that in mind, she chooses her clothing carefully. She said she wouldn't wear a striped dress because it would be fatiguing for someone who was concentrating on her sign language to deal with the busy background of the fabric for the hourlong Mass.
Her face is also part of the process of communicating the liturgy. In this area, she also strives to be clear without being distracting. She forms her words clearly with her mouth to enable lip reading, and her facial expressions add emphasis and life to the message, without being overly emotive. The effect, for those who hear, is like a gentle accompaniment that enhances the beauty of the service.
One particular skill Zline has developed as an interpreter is called "chunking." She listens to what is being said, then signs it. But while she is signing, she is still listening so that she can continue with the message. To do this smoothly, she mentally divides the message into "chunks" which she translates one at a time, seemingly seamlessly.
Like any good performer, her work involves a lot of preparation. She reviews the week's readings and musical selections beforehand. The homily, of course, is translated as it is presented. She says the most difficult part is the Eucharistic rite, the official prayer of the Mass. Catholics are familiar with the prayers, so a lot of words are often spoken quickly, keeping an interpreter extra-busy.
Zline is a Catholic and attends Mass with her family each Sunday at their Laurel parish. Then, she travels to Crofton to add a touch of grace and outreach to the 12:30 p.m. Mass at Seton.
Information on signing at Masses: 410-721-5770.
CARP meeting
Crofton Area Retired Persons will hold its Christmas event Dec. 11 at Crofton Country Club.
The program will begin at 10 a.m. with a short business meeting, followed by entertainment and a holiday luncheon.
Tickets are $17, and reservations are a must.
Reservations and information: Mary Dixon at 410-721-1757 or Joan Coyle at 410-721-3274.
Craft bazaar
The Ladies' Sodality of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Odenton will hold its 15th annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Parish Hall.
Fifty crafts people will display holiday gifts, and items will be raffled. Luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa Claus will be available for pictures between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit charities sponsored by the Ladies' Sodality.
Information: Sherry Thompson at 410-987-3397.
Breakfast with Santa
Tickets are available for Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Crofton.
Breakfast seatings are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 10. Children younger than 3 will be served free.
Santa Claus will visit with children and pose for pictures. This event sells out every year, so buying tickets early is a good idea.
Information or tickets will be available after all Masses next weekend or by calling the parish office at 410-721-5770.