Gay and Lesbian Ministry
Information for gays, lesbians, their families and friends
"God...calls the church to minister to every man, woman and child with the pastoral solicitude of our compassionate Lord."
(Vatican CDF letter, 1986)
St. Bernadette Parish
Gay and Lesbian Ministry
As a parish committed to an attitude of welcome and firmly opposed to discrimination in all its forms, we declare our support for gay and lesbian Catholics, their families and friends. We welcome sexual minorities, their families and friends into our community. We wish to ease the pain of alienation and rejection and to promote reconciliation
between church and gay and lesbian people. We intend to educate ourselves, the church community, to the existence of unexamined prejudice and to the consequences of injustice. We will work to end discrimination against sexual minorities within and outside of the church community.
We believe that all who enter our doors are to be treated with dignity and respect. All of us are made in the image and likeness of God. All of us are created good. We believe as pastoral ministers that it is our role to be people of affirmation, compassion and reconciliation. Christ calls us to welcome all to proclaim a gospel of love. Christ's love reaches out to all people in all places. We dedicate ourselves to providing spiritual and pastoral care for all people.
Support Groups
Beginnings is a program for parents of gay and lesbian people. Beginnings offers outreach, pastoral care, and opportunities for networking in a supportive and accepting atmosphere.
Reclaim is a support group for lesbian and gay people, providing a welcoming and accepting place to share one's journey as a Catholic. The group sponsors one introductory, structured program series each year, facilitated by pastoral leaders, to encourage talking, questioning, seeking, and sharing. Reclaim sponsors events and projects throughout the year for those who seek to continue the journey in a parish setting.
Teen Haven is a program for gay and lesbian high school age youth. Individual pastoral support and structured mentoring opportunities are available to encourage gay and lesbian teens ages 14 -18 to grow in their faith and share their gifts. For more information contact our Pastoral Associate, Ann McDonald.
Education
Education is an important part of the Gay and Lesbian Ministry at St. Bernadette. We strive to educate parishioners and other members of our community through a variety of activities and programs, as well as through consistent references in homilies, bulletin notices, articles in our local newspapers, and the celebration of Solidarity Sunday in October.
The Mission of St. Bernadette Parish
Christ calls us, the Community of St. Bernadette, to worship God; proclaim the gospel; teach and explore our faith; welcome all; serve all; challenge each other in faith; and further the presence of God in the world.
Contacts
St. Bernadette Parish
801 Stevenson Road
Severn, MD 21144
Phone: 410-969-2783
Fax: 410-969-2789
www.stbernadette.org
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