The Archdiocese of Washington's 11th annual White Mass, celebrating and recognizing the gifts of persons with special needs, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory will celebrate the Mass at St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Maryland. This Mass honors the Deaf community, all those with disabilities, and people suffering from mental illnesses, as well as their family members, caregivers, and advocates for the special needs community. 

The Mass is given the designation “white” because of the color’s connection to the baptismal promises and the divine calling all Catholics have by virtue of their Baptism. 

Due to restrictions this year because of the ongoing pandemic, the Mass will be available to view via livestream from the Department of Special Needs Ministries YouTube page, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwg1uugNSOo&feature=youtu.be, or through Archdiocese of Washington social media. The Mass will be sign language interpreted.

Following the Mass, the community will gather via Zoom to view Archbishop Gregory's question and answer session with five members of the Deaf and disability communities. The Zoom meeting can be joined here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88261475795#success. Meeting ID: 882 6147 5795. ASL interpreted. 

For more information, visit adw.org/event/white-mass/.