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Mother, the rainbow is the lasting sign of God's covenant; as God's love wrapped you in grace, may it also wrap your LGBTQ+ children and assure them of God's love.
Historic St. Paul's commitment to accompany one another stems from our baptism and requires us to honor diversity and work to protect, defend, and celebrate every person - especially those marginalized by society or the Church. In our diverse faith community, we are proud to proclaim that 'all are welcome.' And we not only proclaim it, we live it intentionally!
Our LGBTQ+ family and friends have a unique ministry here. We gather to affirm our faith, place ourselves under the protection of Our Lady, celebrate each other, work to defend and protect the dignity of every person, and we serve joyfully - in the sacred liturgy, on the Parish Council (one of our members is Chair), in various ministries, and in service to the common good beyond the doors of our parish church.
Whether you are new to the Church, returning home, or interested in learning more, we invite you to be a part of our ministry. We gather monthly, at least, for Mass, Rosary, dinner, faith sharing, fellowship and support. Bring a friend, bring an ally, bring a family member back home, where they will have their dignity renewed and celebrated exactly as they are: a beautiful child of God!
JR Zerkowski leads our parish ministry and our diocesan LGBT Outreach Commission which affirms and embraces individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer and their families and friends.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Church is called to recognize in each person their God-given dignity; Pope Francis has called the Church to create a "culture of encounter;" we provide a sacred and safe space for LGBTQ+ Catholics to share their life and faith. By sharing their unique gifts in communities where they are treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity, their dignity defended, preserved, and celebrated, LGBTQ+ Catholics- their families and friends, too - are brought back HOME to take their rightful place in their Church, accepted and loved for exactly who they are, just as God made them.
Bishop John Stowe wrote this message to the LGBTQ+ community which was distributed at the 2019 Lexington Pride Festival:
"Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I greet you warmly and offer you my prayers on your behalf during this celebration of Pride.
Psalm 139, a prayer attributed to King David,
celebrates God's intimate knowledge and deep love
of each son and daughter
he has made in his image and likeness.
In part, the psalm reads, "you formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!"
(Psalm 139: 13-14 New American Bible)
My prayer is that each of us can celebrate that glorious discovery
of how we are made and loved by a God who knows us intimately
and who calls us to a deeper relationship with Himself.
When we acknowledge this in ourselves, we have to be able to see this beauty in each other.
There are so many things which can divide us,
let's all come together in recognition that we are wonderfully made
and we are made to reflect the glory of God.
Peace and all good,
Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
Catholic Diocese of Lexington"
Pope's latest affirmation of same-sex civil unions hailed as progress by LGBT community| National Catholic Reporter | Oct 21, 2020
Peace and Justice Announcement | Diocese of Lexington | July 20, 2020
traducción en español
Contact our LGBTQ+ Ministry Director: