by Jan Lewis
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — During its Pastoral Week in Portland, Oregon, in late January, the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) presented the 2026 Father David Walsh Pastoral Worker of the Year Award to Katie Locus, deaf ministry consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Named in honor of NCOD’s founder, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the lives of deaf Catholics. It is a way of expressing gratitude for faithful service and for creating accessibility, inclusion and belonging within the church.
Locus lives these values through her ministry and groundbreaking work to ensure that deaf Catholics can encounter the fullness of the faith in their own language.
Locus’ path into deaf ministry began unexpectedly. She grew up deaf and became a teacher. While she was teaching English, her relationship with God began deepening and she began discerning her future. After applying to doctorate programs and not being accepted, she found herself discouraged and uncertain about what direction to take.
She recalls going to church, feeling sad and confused. During Mass, the hymn “Here I Am, Lord” was sung. In that moment, she sensed God inviting her toward something new.
“That is how I ended up in this ministry,” she said. “God knew what I needed more than I did.”
Through discernment and redirection, she accepted a vocation that has since touched countless lives. As deaf ministry consultant for the archdiocese, Locus serves as a bridge between the Catholic Church and the deaf community throughout the archdiocese.
Her work goes beyond accommodation, however; it fosters true belonging.
When reflecting on receiving the national award, Locus responded with humility.
“Since NCOD has been around for a long time, the organization works with many, many people all over the country,” Locus said. “They also have a list of nominated candidates every year for this award from all over the country! I’ve only been in ministry for almost nine years, so it is both surreal and extremely humbling that they would recognize me.”
Her words reveal the heart of her ministry: service rooted in gratitude and love for the deaf Catholic community.
Among Locus’ most significant contributions is her leadership in developing the ASL YouCat Translation Project, which brings Catholic catechetical teaching to deaf Catholics in American Sign Language. This is the first (and continues to be the only) catechism that is translated into American Sign Language (ASL). It is a resource that strengthens faith formation and honors ASL as a living language.
She was also recognized for her presentations on “The Joy and Beauty of Womanhood,” based on the writings of St. Pope John Paul II. Locus has been asked to present for retreats and reflection days.
“It is a true blessing to have her work in our archdiocese!” said Debra Niesen, lead consultant for pro-life ministries.
Locus and her team are currently developing lesson plans to accompany each YouCat video.
“After that, we will start trying to discern with our deaf Catholic community what is next,” she said. “God willing, the Holy Spirit will guide us and it will be something even more amazing.”
But they could use help.
“This ministry is God’s ministry,” she said, “and prayers are always needed to make sure we do what the Lord wants of us, especially with the constant challenges that we face with this particular ministry.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the deaf community in the United States are not affiliated with any church at all,” she continued, “so your prayers are needed to help each deaf person encounter God.”
Father Walsh devoted his life to ensuring that deaf Catholics were fully included in the life of the church. Through her leadership, humility and vision, Locus continues that legacy.
