Our LGBTQ+ Ministry will be sharing stories during June, Pride Month, from its members and leadership. Today, we share Patrick and Daniel's reflection.
Open Arms, Open Hearts: A Couple's Story of Faith
by Patrick and Daniel
We came from the same hometown and high school but actually connected at the University of Kentucky here in Lexington. While we were both navigating the common challenges of young adulthood, our friends, especially our loving, supportive Catholic friends were a little hesitant that we would find community and belonging in the Catholic Church. Yes, being new to the faith, we were strongly compelled by the witness of the campus ministries, the work in the Lexington community, the greater works globally of the Church, and its rich heritage of faith, tradition, and social teaching.
Though only one half of us were confirmed into the Church at the time, we were adamant about coming to mass, and we happened upon St. Paul’s in downtown Lexington. We figured that being in the heart of the city, there had to be a lot of action. And there we were by circumstance - the Deacon gave a homily we wouldn’t forget. He spoke powerfully about opening hearts to all of God's children, a message that resonated deeply with us, especially considering our identities within the LGBTQ community. It was a beautiful reminder that faith and acceptance can go hand-in-hand..
Learning more about St. Paul's, we discovered a vibrant LGBTQ ministry that fosters a welcoming and inclusive space. Finding a community that celebrates our faith journey while embracing who we are as God’s children was truly life-changing. We quickly found ourselves taken up into the ministries… in the sacristy, as a lector to the masses, in communications and logistics for all the downtown drives and causes - just giving back to the Church that has given so much to us. Through the witness of other folks in St. Paul’s LGBTQ Ministry, we are now both confirmed into the Church.
And during the pandemic, when we briefly moved out of state for a work opportunity, we longed for our community at St. Paul’s parish. Still when we visited other parishes, including when we searched for a home parish, there was always a fear of rejection or intolerance. St. Paul’s was the home we knew we could return to - a warm embrace that made us feel safe- in no small part due to its LGBTQ Ministry and outreach. We couldn't help but seek out that same love and recognition of our individual dignity and value as practicing Catholics.
As the Holy Father reminds us,
"May the Church be a place of God’s mercy and hope, where all feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel. And to make others feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged, the Church must be with doors wide open so that all may enter. And we must go out through these doors and proclaim the Gospel."
We have supported each other as a couple in all aspects of our lives, including our faith, for over seven years - with love and compassion as our guide.