Join us on Thursday, October 15 at 7pm when GLEAM (God's Loving Embrace at Mariandale), our LGBTQ+ and Allies Faith Sharing group, present:

LGBTQ Catholic Ministry: Past, Present, and Future with Dr. Jason Steidl Jack

Jason is a Catholic theologian and Senior Teaching Professor of Religious Studies at St. Joseph's University New York. He holds a PhD from Fordham University and teaches across theological and religious studies disciplines, from healthcare ethics and social justice to Christology and world religions. His research and advocacy focus on the historical struggle of minoritized communities for affirmation, representation, and pastoral care in the Roman Catholic Church. His first book, LGBTQ Catholic Ministry: Past and Present, was published by Paulist Press in 2023. He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his husband, Damian.

This gathering provides space for those who identify as LGBTQ and/or allies to share their stories, learn from others and provide support for those who struggle with faith.

Grounded in a deep belief in the goodness of all creation and a commitment to care for all those who find themselves at the margins of society, Mariandale invites lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning persons, 18 and above, and their allies to a faith sharing series. Open to people of all faith traditions, this group recognizes that many LGBTQ+ adults experience a lack of faith-based, pastoral settings where they are welcomed to share their stories in honest and open ways. These 90-minute sessions provide such an opportunity for prayer, dialogue, and community-building. There is no charge for participation, but those who register are invited to make a free will offering.

Dates/Time: Thursday, October 15, from 7 to 8pm, online.

Fee: Free: All sessions are free and open to all who wish to attend. You do not have to attend all sessions.

Please note that registration is required!

The U.S. Catholic Bishops 1997 pastoral letter, "Always our Children," helps to guide these gatherings as it states, "God does not love someone less simply because they are homosexual. God's love is always and everywhere offered to those who are open and receiving it.....The Christian community should offer its homosexual sisters and brothers understanding and pastoral care."