Catholic Charities Kansas City-St. Joseph is fortunate to have two amazing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on staff. Rhonda Scott and Becky Turner interpret Masses at St. Elizabeth’s, St. Peter’s, St. Thomas More, St. Catherine’s, and St. Joseph the Worker. They also assist with interpretation for special pastoral projects. For example, they may provide companionship and interpreting services for individuals who are isolated in care centers or in hospice. Additionally, they may provide interpreting for special rituals/events for a family member, such as an award ceremony or a confirmation Mass. (Our department has recently received a grant from the Aiden McVicker Fund to cover the cost for these occasions.) We are grateful that Becky and Rhonda agreed to be interviewed in this issue of TOGETHER, but we are especially grateful for everything they do!
Rhonda Scott, Deaf Services Coordinator and Interpreter
Lisa- Can you tell us about yourself? For example, what are three things we should know about you?
Rhonda- I have been married to my husband Bruce for 13 years. I have two children: Jessica and John; (as well as my son-in-law Jordan and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law Ashley). I am also a grammy to two wonderful grandsons: Connor 10 and Maurice 4. I am blessed that my children and grandchildren live near us. I am a huge family person. I have been interpreting professionally since 2005. I graduated from Johnson County Community College (JCCC) where I studied interpreting and then finished at University of Northern Colorado. I interpret full-time in the Olathe Public Schools, and I also do some work in the evening with JCCC.
L- How did you become involved with Catholic Charities? How many years have you been involved?
R- I have interpreted for Catholic Charities for nine years now. I was involved socially with the Catholic D/deaf community before I became an interpreter and then, five years ago, I became the Coordinator of Deaf Services. The socialization and my co-worker and friend, Becky Turner, encouraged me to learn how to sign/interpret and helped me with my decision to go back to school and start interpreting.
L- How does your faith intersect with the work you do for Catholic Charities?
R- I grew up assuming that all Catholics could go to church, get baptized, married, and participate how they chose to in the Catholic Church. When I was a senior in high school at St. Mary’s in Independence, Missouri a young man transferred into our school. He was Deaf. I learned some basic sign language with other classmates to welcome him and to be able to communicate with him. That was my first experience with the fact that not every Catholic had the choice of participation. That year started my interest in the church and Deaf community. It took me a few years to get it all figured out, but I have never regretted a day that I have spent on my profession as a sign language interpreter. I have enjoyed the challenges, experiences, and growth not only with my signing skills, but with the people that I have interpreted for in the church. They have become family over the years.
L- Is there anything you’d like to add?
R- My husband and I own a dog kennel on our five acres out in Harrisonville, Missouri. So, when I am not interpreting, I spend my time with dogs, which I find very relaxing.
Becky Turner, Interpreter
Lisa- Can you tell us about yourself? For example, what are three things we should know about you?
Becky - Most important in my life is loving Jesus and trying to show His love to everyone I see. My family is awesome. There is my husband, John; four daughters- Sarah, Diana, Caroline, and Teresa and a son-in-law, Jimmy. I enjoy learning about our faith, praying, hanging with family and friends, traveling, and other activities.
L- How did you become involved with Catholic Charities? How many years have you been involved?
B- I became involved with the Diocese after our second daughter was born. My brother-in-law encouraged me to talk with Father Tom Borkowski to see if I could help with his new ministry called the Diocesan Ministry for Persons with Disabilities. I think I interpreted my first Mass at St Catherine's on Christmas Eve 1986. That is 34 years ago...wow.
L- How does your faith intersect with the work you do for Catholic Charities?
B- I want to intersect all I do with my faith. Jesus made each and every one of us. He has a will for our lives and I want to follow Him-every moment. It is not easy, but with Jesus by my side "I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."
B- I love the people I work with or have worked with over the years. They have often inspired me to be a more faith-filled person. It has been a good year under the leadership of Lisa and Linda. I pray I can interpret, be involved with SPRED (Special Religious Development), and Catholic Charities for years to come.
