The Ephpheta Centre was established in 1979 when Sr Helen Gaffey was appointed to work with the Catholic Deaf in Sydney. The Sisters of Charity made their former Commercial College in Paddington available for the Centre and the name Ephpheta was chosen. This name was chosen because when Jesus cured the deaf man he said, “Ephpheta” which means “be open”. We must “be open” to God’s word, to new and different ideas, and to all people.

It was not long before a secretary, Ann Lindsay, commenced working at the Centre and before the end of the year a full-time chaplain, Fr Bob Hickman, was appointed. Fr Bill Malone, who had been chaplain for 34 years and was much loved by the deaf community, retired from deaf ministry
when Fr Bob was appointed.

Within the first twelve months many things started to happen. As well as the monthly Mass at Stanmore, more special Masses for the deaf in different parishes around Sydney started to be celebrated. Religious education programmes, co-ordinated by Mary Caruana, were commenced and implemented by a large group of loyal and dedicated catechists. Sr Ann Walsh started helping the adults develop their faith through scripture and bible study classes. The first Ephpheta newsletter was published. Counselling and guidance for the Deaf and their families was provided. Youth programmes commenced and a camp was held during this twelve months. The Centre also provided a venue for social events.

When Helen Gaffey finished her ministry with the Deaf Community Fr Bob became the director of the Ephpheta Centre. Then, after ten years as chaplain, in October 1988, Fr Bob returned to parish work and the Ephpheta Centre faced big changes.

At this time the Sisters of Charity wanted the building at Paddington for their own ministry and so the Centre had to find new premises. Fr Peter Fitzgerald became the chaplain while Mary Caruana took over as director. After much hard work from the staff and many volunteers, the Centre moved to Lewisham at the end of 1988. Cardinal Clancy blessed and opened the Centre in April, 1989.

Lewisham was too far to travel for some of the staff and volunteers and so they stopped working at the Centre. Although Jeanne Crowe and her band of loyal helpers had retired from preparing lunch for the Deaf People at the end of 1982 she had continued to volunteer her services as a typist. One of her jobs was helping type the newsletter, and she also became the first National Honorary Secretary of CADIPHA. However, the extra travelling became too much and so after more than thirty-eight years devoted service she retired completely. Ann Lindsay also felt unable to travel the extra distance and retired and Shirley Carroll became secretary.

After having been a volunteer for quite some time Murreall O’Connor became the first Deaf person to be a member of the Ephpheta team. In 1989 she commenced a social club, which grew each meeting and is still meeting to this present time.

At the end of 1991 Mary Caruana retired and Fr Peter Fitzgerald became director. Then having spent 7 years at Lewisham the Centre moved to Flemington at the start of 1996 and the first Mass for the Deaf celebrated in St Dominic’s Church was in March that year.

After moving to Flemington Fr Peter Fitzgerald finished his term with the Deaf, and Fr Peter Woodward became our chaplain and director. A Pastoral Council to advise, assist and support the priest and the team was set up and a Liturgy Team was formed.

Towards the end of last year Cardinal George Pell decided it was time for a Deaf lay person to become director of the Centre and Stephen Lawlor was appointed. Fr Peter Woodward was asked to remain on the staff as chaplain. Stephen began as director in late 2005.

Ephpheta – the meaning of our name

We chose the name Ephpheta for our Centre because in Chapter 7 of St Marks Gospel we read how Jesus cured the deaf man. “Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat and touched the man’s tongue. The Jesus looked up to heaven, gave a deep groan and said to the man ‘Ephpheta’ which means ‘Be open’”

We, therefore, try to be open and welcoming to all members of the Deaf Community and their ideas.