One of the most unexpected graces of Giving Tuesday (Don’t worry: this is not an appeal for more donations!) is reading the messages that people send along with their donations.
When we began Outreach five years ago, among our other goals, we hoped to create a sense of community for LGBTQ Catholics, and their families and friends, both online and in person. Of course, we had some distinguished predecessors and colleagues in this ministry, especially in the United States, like Dignity, New Ways Ministry, Fortunate Families and Fortunate & Faithful Families; and overseas with myriad groups like La Tenda di Gionata in Italy, and the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics.
But we were wondering what a community would look like for Outreach.
Thanks to God’s grace and the hard work of the Outreach team, we have seen that community grow and flourish. The most obvious manifestation comes during our bi-annual conferences (the next one at Georgetown this summer), our bi-annual retreats (the first one was at Daylesford Abbey outside of Philadelphia), and our occasional pilgrimages (like the recent one for the Jubilee Year in Rome). Added to this are the regional events that Outreach has been sponsoring under the leadership of our outgoing executive director Michael O’Loughlin and assistant director Jack Consolie. The regional events, mainly prayer services, are a terrific way for LGBTQ Catholics and their friends and families, to come together to worship and pray, without having to travel great distances. Just this week, we have events in Los Angeles and Rhode Island.
Going forward, we hope to create more online spaces with our social media accounts, where LGBTQ Catholics can find support and encouragement, for example, on Facebook and Instagram (and perhaps some other new platforms). As for Twitter, as older Jesuits would say, “I will pass over that in silence.” Not as much community there, though it’s important for us to retain a presence there. Overall, we’re planning on expanding ways for LGBTQ Catholics to find community online.
But back to Giving Tuesday. On the online donation form there is a space for people to say why they are donating. And every time someone donates, the Outreach team (including Alessandra Rose, America’s development director) receives an update. That means that last Tuesday my inbox was flooded not only with the great news that 213 donors had contributed amounts ranging from $10 to $5,000, but that they had shared their reasons. It’s such a grace to read them.
Let me just share a few with you. I’ve edited them slightly, so as to keep them anonymous:
Outreach has been a life saver. As a parent of an LBGTQ child I didn’t know where to turn to. It gives me hope one day my child will again feel comfortable in the church.
I am the mother of two gay sons whom I raised as Catholics. I pray that the church will become more accepting of them enabling them to worship without condemnation.
Outreach gives us the nourishment, community and hope we need to continue in our practice of our beloved Catholic faith.
For me, you are a beacon of a synodal church and of the vision of the people of God on a joint pilgrimage.
I recently attended an Outreach gathering and was touched by the joy I saw in safe space for those often on the margins.
This is incredibly important work that you are doing making sure the LGBTQ community know that they are loved, respected and that there is a home for them with the church.
All should be welcome at the table! Thank you for walking the walk and bringing some amazing folks home!
I am a practicing Catholic and a married lesbian. I long for the day when my wife and I no longer have to hide our relationship at church. I do not ask for the sacraments to change; I only ask for the same grace everyone else is given.
Because the gay and trans members of my family are not welcome in my parish.
I’m inspired by this ministry and everyone who makes it happen—it is such important work. So grateful for Jim and the team. Thanks to Alessandra and Jack for their continued work and welcome aboard, Conor—excited to meet you soon!
Todos, todos, todos!
All of these messages are not only encouraging for us but also help us understand better where to focus our pastoral efforts. So, on behalf of the Outreach team, especially our incoming director Conor Reidy, thanks so much for all these kind messages, for your donations and prayers and, today, for your heartfelt messages.
