Support the Vital Work of the John Pierce Centre

As we prepare for our annual Ephpheta Appeal this May, we reflect on the meaning of “Ephpheta”—“Be open.” This theme is central to the mission of the John Pierce Centre, the only Deaf Catholic Centre in Victoria. Every year,    members of the Deaf community travel from across Melbourne and regional areas to participate in our activities and access the specialised pastoral care that we offer.

At the John Pierce Centre, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is the heart of our communication. Our facility is        purpose-built to meet the unique needs of the Deaf community, and all of our activities and Masses are accessible in Auslan. Our Deaf and hearing staff work together to ensure that our members can communicate freely and            confidently. We honor the cultural rights of the Deaf community, empowering them as leaders in their faith,        community, and organisations.

For 45 years, the John Pierce Centre has provided essential services to the Deaf community. We are committed to keeping our programs affordable, charging only minimal fees to cover activity costs, and offering pastoral care and referrals at no charge. Our goal is to ensure that all Deaf individuals, regardless of their financial situation, can access the support they need.

For many Deaf people, the John Pierce Centre is a lifeline. Without it, they would miss out on opportunities that the broader community often takes for granted—especially Deaf seniors who are not eligible for NDIS and other forms of support. The JPC plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between mainstream services and the Deaf community.

Your generous support is essential in helping us continue this important work. Together, we can ensure that no member of the Deaf community is left behind.