In the book Francis of Assisi: A Model for Human Liberation, Leonardo Boff gives a great deal of insight on how “some aspects of [Francis’] life make him particularly relevant for our times.” Among these traits is Francis’ “living out of universal kinship,” one that Boff views as particularly “crucial today when all cultures and religions encounter one another and can generate conflict and even war, due to lack of dialogue and true encounter.”
This commitment to universal kinship, to the recognition that we are all brothers and sisters, can be seen in the work of many HNP ministries, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) ministry efforts.
The following HNP ministry sites have taken up such efforts in their desire to build communities that are welcoming to all.
To add to the list, contact Fran Eskin-Royer in Holy Name Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
GAY AND LESBIAN OUTREACH MINISTRY
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
New York, N.Y.
In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” The Church of St. Francis of Assisi’s LGBT Ministry is a fellowship where gay and lesbian people of faith are welcome to explore their spirituality and share their experience, strength, and hope with one another. The group actively provides and promotes faith opportunities that build community for those who have experienced spiritual disconnection. The ministry attempts to fulfill this mission by providing a safe place for spiritual events, educational and social activities, and outreach to the larger parish and archdiocesan community. To learn more, visit the parish website.
Contact: Meredith Augustin
GLBT MINISTRY
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Raleigh, N.C.
In accordance with its parish mission statement, the LGBT Ministry reaches out to offer spiritual nourishment for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families and friends. The group seeks to affirm the intrinsic value and self-worth of all people and to welcome them into full participation in the faith community. All LGBT people are welcome, as are friends and family of LGBT people and anyone who might be questioning what it means to be a supportive Catholic for LGBT parishioners. People of all religious traditions are welcome to pray and worship with the community. To learn more about the ministry, visit the parish website.
Contact: Chris O’Neill or Jane Paris
LGBTQ MINISTRY – SPIRITUALITY
St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center
Boston, Mass.
St. Anthony Shrine’s LGBT Ministry invites interested parties to spiritual nourishment, and to hear and proclaim the Good News that is for all people. In words taken from the Roman Missal 3rd Edition, Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs V4, “By word and deed he [Jesus Christ] announced to the world that you are our Father and that you care for all your sons and daughters. You are indeed Holy and to be glorified, O God, who love[s] the human race and who always walk[s] with us on the journey of life.” St. Anthony Shrine’s LGBT Ministry is a community of faith where people are provided the opportunity to explore and express their Catholic Christian spirituality through shared experiences. Regular gatherings, social events, guest presenters, and days and evenings of prayer and reflection complement the components of the wider faith assembly: prayer, sacraments, community, and service, thus ultimately providing integration within the wider Archdiocesan community. To hear more about upcoming events, join the LGBT mailing list by contacting LGBTQ@stanthonyshrine.org. To learn more, visit the ministry website.
Contact: Fr. Joe Quinn, OFM or 617-542-6440, x239
OPEN HEARTS GLBT MINISTRY
St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish
Hartford, Conn.
The Open Hearts LGBT Ministry provides educational opportunities to build and develop greater visibility and understanding of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) experiences within the parish community and to develop faith-building outreach programming for the diverse spectrum of the LGBT community.
As a Catholic parish committed to justice, Open Hearts Ministry of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry actively provides and promotes faith opportunities that build community for those who may have experienced spiritual disconnection. For more information, visit the parish website.
Contact: Fr. Tom Gallagher, OFM