Our Program

program history

The Catholic Deaf and Blind Ministry at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, Florida, officially started in 1980 under the direction of Fr. Rene Robert and the Diocese of St. Augustine. Previous to that date, the ministry was strictly a volunteer ministry under Sister Rita Baum, the Sisters of St. Joseph and volunteers from the Cathedral-Basilica Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida. The volunteer ministry had been operating from the late 1940's.

today's program

For 22 continuous years the Catholic Religious Education program has served the Catholic students with sensory impairments from all over the state of Florida -- from pre-k through post-grad. We offer a nourishing environment for our students to learn about their Catholic faith, and social opportunities as well.

Among our opportunities for a well-rounded Catholic experience:

• regular weekly classes
• special sacrament preparation
• group field trips for fun
• opportunities for retreats for older students
• a connection with the wider Catholic deaf or blind community