2016
A Faith Celebrated in Community - Oaxaca
In 2016 we gathered in Oaxaca, Mexico for another DCYIA Encuentro. It was a week full of learning, creativity, and deeply shared faith. Deaf young people, pastoral workers, and community leaders came together to explore their faith, strengthen leadership, and celebrate the richness of the Deaf community within the Church.
During Mass in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Fr. Francisco Rentería spoke about DCYIA’s work, and we received a very special gift: A black clay pot with the DCYIA logo, made by a Deaf Artist. (Juan Antonio García)
After Mass we shared a delicious meal prepared by the community and shared on their traditional dances from that specific region. “La danza de la Pluma”. It was a joyful experience filled with hospitality
We shared our prayers to our Lady of Guadalupe with the Bishop of Oaxaca, who visited our Encuentro and was impressed by DCYIA´s work and the faith and commitment of the Deaf Youth
Participants were involved and grateful to know more about the mass, about God and about themselves. All our activities gave each one a greater Faith and Hope as disciples in our ministry
We shared activities like the APPS toolkit, making your safe house and the skits on bible passages. All these activities helped our Deaf Youth understand the different resources they have in life and in their ministry
When we gave them their DCYIA shirts, we told them they were their armor for the world. They proudly put them on right away.
The renewal of our Baptism with Father José Rentería was a deeply emotional moment for everyone.
The week ended with gift exchanges, laughter, and a community stronger than when it began.
