A Pastoral Response

Among those who ask for a more meaningful dialogue and a more welcoming space we also find those who, for various reasons, feel a tension between belonging to the Church and their own loving relationships, such as: LGBTQ people, etc. Reports show how this demand for welcome challenges many local Churches: “People ask that the Church be a refuge for the wounded and broken, not an institution for the perfect. They want the Church to meet people wherever they are, to walk with them rather than judge them, and to build real relationships through caring and authenticity, not a purpose of superiority”  – Page 39 Working Document – For a Synodal Church

St. Gianna’s Parish is a welcoming community to LGBTQ+ Catholics.  We desire to create a place of acceptance and understanding, a place of safety and openness so that all may confidently worship God and live the call to discipleship in Jesus Christ. 

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October 17, 2024 – 7:00 p.m.
An Evening of Dialogue, Dessert & Learning
Building Bridges between Catholic 2SLGBTQ+ and Allies and the Catholic Church – Video Presentation by Fr. James Martin S.J,
October 17, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at St. Ignatius Spiritual Education Center, 925 Jessie Ave.

This is Part Two of Fr. James Martin’s pre-recorded presentation, focusing on his question/answer dialogue and an opportunity to break into discussion circles.  Attendance at previous sessions is not required.  Hosted by St. Ignatius Building Bridges Group, facilitated by Sr. Sandra Stewart, RNDM and Brother Thomas Novak, OMI.

Email to register at:  [email protected] or 204-453-9243.

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‘A Positive Hopeful Step’
Vatican Document allowing blessings for same-sex couples welcomed by city man who is a gay Catholic
click:  Read the online article at Winnipeg Free Press – January 8, 2024

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Doctrinal Declaration Opens Possibility of Blessing Couples in Irregular Situations
click:  Read the online article at Vatican News – December 18, 2023

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Our Faith Formation  Coordinator attended Fr. Martin’s Presentation
click:  Read Rachel’s Essay on Fr. Martin’s Presentation

Pope Sends Support to LGBTQ Ministry Conference
click:  Read the online article at National Catholic Reporter – June 14, 2023

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May 3, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.,
Presentation via ZOOM by Fr. James Martin S.J.
St. Ignatius Adult Education Centre, Winnipeg, invites all to join St. Ignatius’ Faith Community, for a presentation by Father James Martin S.J., on his book Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity, via the Zoom platform.
Email to Register at:  [email protected]

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click:  To WATCH a Documentary short via Owning Our Faith website

Additional Resources:

Pope Sends Support to LGBTQ Ministry Conference
click:  Read the online article at National Catholic Reporter – June 14, 2023

The AP Interview: Pope Francis says homosexuality is not a crime
click:  Read the online article at Associated Press – January 25, 2023

Pope Francis has met regularly with transgender Catholics at general audiences
click:  Read the online article in Outreach – January 13, 2023

Pope Francis praises Father James Martin during audience with Vatican communicators
click:  Read the online article in Outreach – November 16, 2022

Influential priest says LGBT Catholics are ‘as much a part of the Church’ as the Pope
click:  Read the online article in The Journal – November 7, 2022

Three tips for LGBTQ Catholics interpreting Scripture
click:  Read the online article in Outreach – November 6, 2022

New book urges the church to recognize the “exalted dignity” of LGBTQ people
click:  Read the online article in Outreach – November 2, 2022

Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity
In this inspiring book, Father Martin turns to three virtues from the Catechism of the Catholic Church—“respect, compassion, and sensitivity”—as a model for how both the Catholic leadership and LGBT Catholics can move together on a “two-way bridge” toward reconciliation and love.

Pope to LGBT Catholics: ‘God is Father who does not disown any of his children’
click:  Read the online article in Vatican News – May 9, 2022

Pope Francis is making space for LGBT people in the church – with limits.  
And it’s a huge step forward.
click:  Read the online article in America Magazine – September 23, 2021

Catholic bishops sign statement to LGBT youth:
‘God created you, God loves you.’
click:  Read the online article in America Magazine – January 25, 2021

Cardinal’s Welcome to LGBT Catholics “Felt Like a Miracle”
click:  Read the online article in Believe Out Loud – June 2017

Fortunate Families:
Catholic Families With Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons
Explores the lived experience of Catholic parents who love their gay children and their Church. Includes illuminating stories, survey results, and a discussion of church documents.

Fortunate Families: A Catholic Ministry for LGBTQ+, Families & Friends – Through accompaniment and bridge-building we seek to celebrate and safeguard the dignity of LGBTQ+ children of God.
click:  Visit the Fortunate Families website

5 Common Questions about LGBT Catholic ministry
click:  Watch the video on YouTube

Outreach: A LGBTQ+ Catholic Resource
click:  Visit the Outreach website

San Francisco State University – Family Acceptance Project
click:  Visit the Family Acceptance Project webpage

Courage: A Roman Catholic apostolate for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and those who love them
click:  Visit the Courage website

A Home for All: A Catholic Call for LGBTQ Non-Discrimination
In the summer of 2021, to help explain and clarify the pro-LGBTQ Catholic position on non-discrimination, New Ways Ministry, a national Catholic organization which works for LGBTQ equality, composed and released a theological statement entitled “A Home for All: A Catholic Call for LGBTQ Non-Discrimination.” This statement was endorsed by over 750 prominent Catholic theologians, pastoral leaders, scholars, and writers. Additionally, over 1,900 Catholics involved in volunteer church ministry also endorsed the statement.