✅ Connery McFadden (Massachusetts)
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in Campaign for Everyone: A Lenten Challenge this year. Your prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and especially your courageous letter-writing helped us raise voices for those who too often feel unheard in our Church. As we enter the Easter season, we give thanks that over 40 dioceses have been reached—an incredible testament to your dedication, compassion, and faith. Together, we are building a church that reflects the Sacred Heart of Jesus—open to everyone, everyone, everyone. If you haven’t already, or if you have more letters to share, please take a moment to fill out the Google Form so we can continue to track the impact of this effort. Feel free to include any reflections or responses you received in the same Google Form—your witness may encourage others! Thank you again!
A new resource has been published to support Catholic families and communities with LGBTQ+ children. Volunteers are needed to help collect mailing addresses for approximately 500 contacts who will receive a preview copy of this booklet. If you are willing to help enter addresses on a spreadsheet, then please let me know. Any amount of time will be appreciated -- from 5 minutes to 5 hours!
Join us on ZOOM, Tuesday, May 13 from 7:00-8:30 PM Eastern Time, for a conversation with Broadway performer, educator, and playwright Matthew LaBanca as we explore his powerful solo show Communion.
For the first half of the event, David will interview Matthew about his true story—the real-life events that inspired Communion. When Matthew, a gay Catholic school teacher, was fired for marrying the man he loves, the painful rupture became a catalyst for personal transformation, artistic creation, and spiritual renewal. The event will continue with time for community questions and conversation.
All guests are welcome! Please email David to reserve a spot. The Zoom link will be released to participants 30 minutes before the event.
Communion made its Off-Broadway world premiere in November 2024 to critical and audience acclaim, and is now generating national interest and securing performances at venues across the United States. This one-person coming-of-age story—crafted with humor, music, and radical vulnerability—confronts religious discrimination with raw honesty and bold compassion.
Matthew will also share his hopes of bringing Communion to other venues around the country, where the show’s themes of justice, healing, and LGBTQ dignity could deeply resonate.
NOTE: This event will not be recorded.
My Folk Saint Collection is a portrait series by Jory Mertens celebrating the resilience, compassion, and defiance of folk saints and sacred figures who have inspired generations. These portraits honor those who, whether officially canonized or venerated through devotion, have stood as protectors of the marginalized, the suffering, and the hopeful. From the miraculous aid of Saint Toribio Romo to the unwavering strength of Anastacia of Brazil, each figure embodies the spirit of justice, mercy, and courage. Their stories transcend time, culture, and faith, serving as powerful reminders that sainthood is not just about miracles—it’s about standing with the people.
Read more about Jory Mertens in this article from the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri! Jory is a Carthage, Missouri-based artist who works in digital fine art and illustration, often using cubist, geometric, and fauvist elements (ArtByJory). Many of his works are based on his view of Jesus as being radically inclusive. He enjoys creating works based on his family, theology, nature, and portraits of heroes of humanity. As a special gift for our community Jory offers a 30% discount on ALL his artwork with discount code WITHOUTEXCEPTION30.
- A Brighter Future for Catholic Schools: Innovation and Opportunity is available now from the National Catholic Educational Association. This is an important collection of essays from scholars and practitioners on the front lines of whole-child Catholic education. Chapter 3 is my essay on LGBTQ+ inclusion. It takes a new and transcendent approach to the intersection of Catholic schools and questions of faith, sexuality, and gender. If you have 30 minutes, then please listen to my podcast conversation with Tim Uhl on his podcast Catholic School Matters.
- Dr. Ish Ruiz is offering a six-session online course this May titled Queer & Catholic: The Pope and the Journey to Inclusion. This course explores the evolving relationship between LGBTQ+ identities and the Catholic Church, focusing on Pope Francis' leadership and the synodal movement toward a more inclusive and compassionate Church for queer Catholics. Participants will critically examine key theological perspectives, papal statements, and contemporary relevant questions facing queer Catholics. We will delve into topics such as the historical stance of the Church on LGBTQ+ issues, the impact of Pope Francis’ pontificate on same-sex relationships and transgender inclusion, and the broader synodal movement toward a more welcoming Church. This course is designed for anyone—whether Catholic, queer, both, or an ally—who seeks to engage in open, thoughtful, and respectful dialogue about faith, identity, and belonging. The course meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 7:00 PM ET - 8:15 PM ET from May 5 until May 14, 2025. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.
- QNEST (Queers Never Experiencing Shame and Trauma) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing long-term housing solutions for homeless LGBTQ+ minors. Many of these youth face family rejection, leaving them without a safe place to live. With 62% of homeless LGBTQ+ minors attempting suicide, the need for stable, affirming housing is critical. QNEST aims to bridge this gap by establishing group homes where these adolescents can find security, complete their high school education, and develop the skills necessary for independent living. Currently, QNEST is fundraising to open their first home in Massachusetts, ensuring that LGBTQ+ minors have a safe place to call their own. Additionally, QNEST is planning to launch a biweekly peer support group for homeless LGBTQ+ minors in Massachusetts. This initiative aims to provide a safe, affirming space where these youth can share their experiences, build community, and access emotional support. The support group will focus on fostering peer connections, reducing isolation, and identifying critical needs faced by LGBTQ+ minors experiencing homelessness. Some specific needs to launch these projects include fundraising, grant writing, and networking with volunteers, group facilitators, mental health professionals, and building contractors. If you would like to connect with the Executive Director, Sarela Bliman-Cohen, then you may contact her at sarela@qnest.org.
- New Ways Ministry is sponsoring a retreat for EVERYBODY—LGBTQ+ people, family, friends, and pastoral ministers, and all interested people. Entitled "The Path of Desire: Adventures in Spirituality," the retreat will be held Friday to Sunday, September 5-7, 2025, at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, Connecticut. The retreat will be facilitated by Lisa Fullam, D.V.M., Th.D., professor emerita of moral theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. This retreat will explore spiritualities of desire—spiritualities that seek God in the longings of our hearts and the yearnings of our imaginations. The weekend will combine talks, small group discussions, silent meditation, communal prayer, and socializing. More information and registration are available here.
- Future of Faith just released Sacred Listening, Deeper Faith: A National Research Study Exploring the Impact of Listening on Faith Formation. Trust in institutions is fading, but trust in personal relationships remains strong. This research shows that listening is not just a tool for connection—it is a catalyst for faith formation. Explore findings from the national study, download free resources, and discover how ministries that prioritize listening are building deeper, more meaningful faith communities. Everything in this study—insights, data, and tools—is available to use for free. Whether for sermons, presentations, or community discussions, these materials are designed to support your work.
- FutureChurch is seeking a witness/testimony from families who journeyed with a loved through their process of coming out as LGBTQ+. This witness of mutual listening, love, and growth will be shared on a panel during our Pride Month series in June. Please reach out to Olivia Hastie from FutureChurch (Olivia@futurechurch.org) if you are interested in participating.
- The LGBTQ+ Initiative of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative is sponsoring a treat June 6-8, 2025 at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House near Chicago. Registration is now open for this event. You may access more detailed information at this link.
- Outreach will host a three-day guided retreat, led by James Martin, S.J., at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA, outside of Philadelphia, from June 20-22, 2025. The retreat, “Jesus Desires your Friendship,” is designed for LGBTQ Catholics, their families and friends and those who minister to them. During this silent, preached retreat, Father Martin will offer several talks on the theme of how Jesus reaches out to those on the “margins,” but also invites us to create a community, overcoming the barriers of “us” and “them.” There will be opportunities for faith sharing in smaller groups as well as Masses celebrated on Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, and to register, visit the website of Daylesford Abbey, a Norbertine abbey located on several acres of beautiful countryside.
- The Naming Project will hold its summer camp July 20-25, 2025 in Minnesota. The theme this year is Beautiful Things. From enjoying the beauty of creation, to arts & crafts exploring beauty and wonder, to music and songs that help us enjoy each other’s company and talents, and so much more, this summer will be a time to discover just how beautiful this world can truly be, and how God has made us all uniquely beautiful as part of this beautiful creation! We will take time in Bible study to explore how beautiful God declared creation to be, and how everyone is a part of all things wonderful even when we can’t always see it ourselves! Even when we don’t see it and can’t feel it, there is so much joy, beauty, and wonder all around us, and we plan to spend our amazing summer exploring it! Campers will experience large and small group conversation, personal quiet time as well as campfires, crafts, swimming, games, and summer camp fun in the beauty of God’s creation! Find more information at The Naming Project.
- Coming off its acclaimed Off-Broadway run, Communion is now touring nationally. This powerful, one-man, autobiographical play tells the story of a gay Catholic school teacher who is fired when the Church discovers he married a man. His termination sparks a crisis of faith—not only for himself but for his entire community. Communion is written and performed by Broadway actor Matthew LaBanca and weaves humor and heart into a deeply moving theatrical experience. Audiences have called Communion “profoundly relevant,” “unforgettable,” and “a must-see for our time. Want to bring Communion to your city? Contact us at www.CommunionSoloShow.com
