The history of the Ephpheta Centre started many years ago. In 1886 the Dominican sisters established Waratah school in Newcastle. In 1922 the Christian Brothers established St Gabriels’s school at Castle Hill in Sydney. Both schools had a very strong influence on the development of the Catholic deaf community in NSW.
After children left school, where did they go for Mass and to spend time with other deaf people? This is why the Catholic Deaf Association NSW (CDA) was established in 1914. This group was led by Deaf Catholic people who helped to organise Deaf Mass, retreats and social activities, so for many years Deaf people were responsible for arranging deaf masses.
In 1979, the Ephpheta Centre was first opened in Paddington. The name Ephpheta was chosen. This name was picked because when Jesus cured the deaf man, Jesus touched his ears and said the word “Ephpheta”. The word “Ephpheta means “be open”. To be open different ideas and to all people. The Ephpheta Centre had begun!
The work of the Ephpheta Centre continued to develop. Ephpheta had regular monthly Mass at Stanmore and other special Masses for deaf in different parishes around Sydney. Religious education programmes were commenced. Scripture and bible study classes began and the Ephpheta newsletter was started. Pastoral support for deaf people and their families was provided. Over the years, Ephpheta moved to Lewisham, Flemington and Punchbowl.
Over the years, many deaf people were involved in the work of the Ephpheta Centre. In 2005, Stephen Lawlor was appointed as the first deaf director of the Ephpheta Centre. Since that time, deaf people have always been in leadership roles.
The work of the Ephpheta Centre has continued to grow and develop to meet the changing needs of our community – we now have a regular community groups, for example youth group, Auslan playgroup, craft group, deaf cafe and have other events and activities. Pastoral work and visitation remain an important part of our work as does the provision of regular Mass and opportunities for faith formation for our deaf community.
We are the only service supporting Catholic deaf and hard of hearing people in NSW.