Fr. Chripstopher Klusman’s Retreat 2026

On February 28th, the Cleveland Catholic Deaf Community, Chapter 18 of ICDA-US, embarked on a spiritual journey with Fr. Christopher Klusman, the Director of the Deaf Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This exceptional weekend was filled with moments of reflection, learning, and community bonding. Fr. Christopher, being one of the few Deaf priests in the United States, shared his personal story of faith and perseverance. His role in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is pivotal, as he provides support and spiritual guidance to the Deaf community. Fr. Christopher’s journey to priesthood was marked by his studies at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, a path that culminated in his ordination in 2011. His milestone ordination was not only a celebration for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee but also an inspiration to Deaf Catholics nationwide.

Fr. Christopher talked about “The Book of Revelation,” saying it's not about spreading fear, but rather about having faith and trust in God's goodness. It assures us that no matter how hard life becomes, Christ wins in the end, and we are called to stay faithful to Him. God has not abandoned His people; instead, He is always present, guiding and protecting them. The word 'Revelation' means unveiling, which is like God pulling back a big curtain to show us a secret, revealing a mystery previously hidden from our understanding. In our learning, we focused on Jesus, and what we learned was that Jesus is the central figure of the Book of Revelation. In the book, He is referred to as the Lamb, symbolizing His gentleness, humility, and sacrificial love. He is gentle, compassionate, and caring, but He is also the winner, the conqueror over sin, death, and darkness. Even though there are some scary parts with dragons or mean kings, we don't have to be afraid. Why? Because Jesus is the King of Kings, and His light is stronger than any darkness. Now, when I attend Mass, I will look for the candles and notice the 'Lamb of God' prayer, and it will be like a piece of the Revelation story is happening right in my church. Revelation teaches us to stay faithful because Jesus defeats evil and God’s love wins in the end.

Our 2026 CCDC retreat attracted an “incredibly amazing” large group of attendees. It truly was a wonderful experience with so many people coming together. We took a group picture with Fr. Christopher which everyone really enjoyed, shared in conversation during a delicious lunch, were given the opportunity of confession, and celebrated a “spiritually uplifting” Deaf Mass. The retreat was absolutely beautiful, and many expressed their gratitude for the experience. They hoped to learn more about their Catholic faith and were very grateful for Fr. Christopher taking the trip to Cleveland to join our Deaf Community and teach us all about the “The Book of Revelation “.

After the retreat concluded, a dinner was held at Heck's Cafe with Fr. Christopher and our officers, where we relished the opportunity to bond over good food and company and enjoy each other's stories and laughter. Fr. Christopher was delighted to see the impressive size and enthusiasm of the Cleveland Catholic Deaf Community, telling us how awesome we were.

Last Sunday we had a wonderful time showing Fr. Christopher around the historic West Side Market. It was clear to see that people loved the West Side Market, not just for grocery shopping, but as a destination to eat and explore the unique local food culture that can be found in Cleveland. We were treated to some amazing food samples during our visit, and the market's lively atmosphere made for a great day out. Afterwards, we headed to Townhall for a fantastic breakfast, where the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. We then went to Pin Mechanical Co., where we had a blast playing games and enjoying each other's company. Before Fr. Christopher’s trip back to Wisconsin, we stopped at the Christmas Story House, which Fr, Christopher said he had been looking forward to seeing for a long time. It was a great thrill for him to finally see the famous Christmas House having heard so much about it.

With his radiant joy and warm personality, Fr Christopher creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at ease. His big smile and positive spirit were undeniable standouts during our retreat, serving as a testament to his dedication to spreading kindness and humility. We appreciate him joining our retreat and hope his visit to Cleveland was filled with joy, peace, and a wonderful experience that will linger in his heart and mind long after his departure.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who joined our retreat. It wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you. Each of you are truly a blessing and important to the success of our Cleveland Catholic Deaf Center. Pray Often And May God Bless All Of You.