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BY CHRISTINE KUMAR
UMCONNECTION STAFF

Her eyes were closed, her hands quivered as she reached up to heaven, signing 'Amazing Grace' with the beat of the drum.The sanctuary fell silent as the people watched her. It was an extraordinary day.

On June 25, Christ UMC of the Deaf in Baltimore honored their choir director, Catherine Vaccarino, for her 40 years of service.

The Rev. Peggy Johnson, pastor of Christ UMC, spoke during the worship service of using time wisely to minister to others and how fast it can slip away. 'Catherine knows the wonderful blessing of using the time,' she said.

Vaccarino, a native of Baltimore, was the only one in her family born deaf. She attended a Catholic Deaf School and learned how to play the triangle, a steel rod rhythm instrument shaped like a triangle. She is grateful to her mother who allowed her to attend a Deaf school and feel part of the deaf world.

She also attended Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, where she learned tap dancing. She wanted to be a professional tap dancer but was discouraged because there were not many opportunities available for the deaf.

She married and forgot about her dream. She and her husband adopted two children and started attending Christ UMC with the encouragement of the Rev. Louis Foxwell Jr. She joined the choir and became the choir director the same day.

She later married her second husband, Salvatore Vaccarino. They have been married 30 years. Tragically, they lost their son a few years ago in a car accident.

In 2002, Vaccarino fulfilled a passion -- dance. Denise Donnell from Perkins School of Theology, working as an intern at the church, taught Vaccarino and the choir to dance. She feels the music through the beat of the drum.

When Vaccarino is signing, she says, she feels the power of the Holy Spirit inside of her. 'The spirit of music is in my heart.'

'My deafness is a blessing, and I love the deaf world and I would not want to be hearing,' Vaccarino said. 'Being deaf is really no different than hearing -- inside we are all the same. What is important is your heart, not whether you can hear.'

As each pew was filled during her anniversary celebration worship, the members and visitors clapped by raising their hands in sign language to honor her. Her family and friends attended the worship.

There was a slide presentation, a special song by the choir and Zellie Matthews, member of Christ UMC, signed about Vaccarino?s dedication to the church.

'No matter how it is outside -- rain, shine, thunderstorms, Catherine is here. She has a big heart for each one of you and God has given her strength to serve you,' she said.

Vaccarino also received a plaque, flowers and a photo album with pictures of her 40 years of service to the choir and church.

'Our church has all access here, we want everyone to be included -- the deaf and the blind and (to know) that God hears them,' Johnson said.