Stokes’ deaf ministry a sign of the times

Carol Stokes has officially retired, leaving behind a legacy of decades of faithful service, most notably to the Archdiocese of Toronto's deaf ministry whom she championed for 56 years. 

Reflecting back on the decision with The Catholic Register in her new found free time, a scarcity all too elusive during her career, Stokes shared her initial feelings behind stepping down as coordinator of the long-standing deaf ministry. 

“When I hear those numbers, 40 whole years volunteering and then the past 16 working as coordinator, my first thought is, ‘Has it really been that long?' It certainly didn't feel that long,” she said. 

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“The more I think back on those decades, and even as I do today, I feel as if this was a vocation where I truly grew in faith, largely thanks to this ministry. The deaf have and continue to inspire me so greatly.” 

It’s a unique vocation that can be hard to put into perspective when looking at just how critical Stokes’ service has been. Indeed, the Archdiocese of Toronto's Deaf Ministry began as far back as 1918, when Mother Mary Columbiere of the Loretto Sisters asked then-Archbishop Neil McNeil for spiritual guidance for an engaged couple, one of whom was deaf. 

While Columbiere was able to work with the Paulist Fathers of St. Peter's Church, establishing weekly Masses for the deaf community at Loretto Abbey, perhaps few figures since have sustained the mission as well as Stokes. 

She explained that it was a formative encounter, as far back as the late 1960s, involving Canadian philosopher and theologian Jean Vanier and then Ontario deaf chaplain Fr. Peter Monty, who helped spark Stokes' desire to learn sign language and serve the deaf community in Toronto. 

“ It was the deacon of Holy Name at that time who went up with us to Regis College, and the two of them signed the lecture all the way. I jokingly thought, ‘That isn't fair’ at first, but then I felt closer to wanting to learn sign language to see if there was any way I could help,” she said. 

Help she did, with Stokes beginning her now-storied volunteer work with the Catholic deaf community. Through that outreach and pastoral care, as well as extensive sacramental preparation and day-to-day practical help by interpreting whenever needed, Stokes said her lifetime of service was never just providing a typical “service” as we know it for people. For her, it was always about building real relationships and simply being present.

“ I never felt at all that this was a give and take. One of the deaf ladies that I worked with and I did a few retreats with some of the kids, and you can just feel how inspiring it is to have them share and know that the two of us were there for them,” she said. 

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The inspiration has gone both ways over the years, as Stokes struggled to convey the impact of seeing the deaf community partake in the faith despite needing unique assistance. 

“You can see how hungry they are to learn and engage with their faith. That's a challenge for me to be able to help explain something so important. I’ve asked myself, ‘Do I even know much more than they do?’ ”  

While the work has been challenging, it has always remained worthwhile thanks in large part to her own family’s foundation of service. One of 14 children, she said her parents strongly instilled the value of helping one another and serving the wider public. 

For Stokes, her own life of service is a mere continuation of that family line, one that stands out above all as a time of deep personal growth in faith sparked by the inspiration of the deaf community.

Even after more than five decades of steady compassion, the decision to retire was not a given. 

“ It was extremely hard to make. (The deaf community) are like my family, and even in the last week it has been email after email or talking on WhatsApp Video,” she said. “It seems like they don't want me to go.” 

Mikaela Mendes, who has taken over for Stokes in the role, was quick to praise her predecessor. 

“Her devotion and commitment to the Toronto deaf ministry over the past 56 years are truly unmatched. It has been an honour to learn from her, and a privilege to be welcomed by the Catholic deaf community,” Mendes said.

Although technically retired, Stokes refuses to become inactive, sharing that she will remain available and connected while continuing to interpret the Saturday evening Mass at St. David’s in Vaughan until a suitable local interpreter can be found.

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When asked if she ever plans to slow down, she said only enough to finally meet her extended family in person, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews she has long needed the downtime to see. 

With that, Stokes is a defining example that  calls to service don’t always end when the career does. For some, the vocation is something with you for life. 

A version of this article appeared in the October 18, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Stokes’ deaf ministry a sign of the times".