PRIDE GUIDE 1998

GAY PEOPle's ChroNICLE

B-25

Gay and lesbian Catholic group celebrates 25 years

by Jay Venesy

Cleveland-The year was 1973, and society was changing as the baby boomer generation was reaching the age of majority. Gay Catholics in the Cleveland area, fresh out of parochial school and catechism classes, were feeling a growing need to unite together. Thus in that year, a new religious and social organization was founded under the banner of Dignity Cleveland.

On June 28, Dignity Cleveland will celebrate its 25th

year of continuous service to the gay, lesbian and bisexual community of Cleveland.

USA. "We hope its message is being heeded in our parishes and as our families gather together on Sunday."

"It is critically important that lay people, priests and bishops re-read this document, and take its recommendations to heart," added Charles Cox, Dignity USA's executive di-

rector.

"We have seen that dialogue about how to proceed has begun in some places, but action is needed."

Dignity USA believes that parishes can be

dignity

On that Sunday, chapter members, families and friends will gather for the 12:00 noon mass with the congregation of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church located at the corner of East 126th St. and Shaker Blvd. A reception will follow. All present and former members and their families and friends are invited to attend and help celebrate this event.

"Anyone who grew up hearing Church officials say 'gay is bad' and then finds their own son or daughter is gay, needs a way to have this all make sense.

"

Through the years, Dignity Cleveland has been a support group for gay, lesbian, and bisexual Catholics and a part of the national lay movement in the church. It is part of a larger national organization, Dignity USA, which began in 1969 in Los Angeles under the leadership of Fr. Patrick Nidorf, O.S.A. and became a national organization by 1973.

In local chapters throughout the U.S., Dignity participants worship, socialize, share concerns and work together on educational and justice issues. Members gather at semi-annual regional and bi-annual national conventions.

The Cleveland Dignity chapter has experienced many changes over the years. Unfortunately, in 1986, the Vatican issued a document known as the Ratzinger letter that instructed the bishops to withdraw all support from any group that supported the morality of homogenital acts. Since then, the Cleveland chapter has adjusted to the changed times and despite the Vatican letter, has gone on as part of the national group of homosexual but selfaffirming and practicing Catholics.

This past Mother's Day, Dignity USA urged the implementation of a landmark letter on pastoral care for families with gay and lesbian members released eight months ago at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dignity USA, and all of its chapters, calls on parishes and dioceses to enact the bishops' recommendations.

In "Always Our Children," released on October 1, 1997, the American Catholic bishops emphasized the need for parents to treat children who are gay with love, respect and compassion. They also endorsed a series of steps, including the establishment of support groups for Catholic parents of gays and the preaching of homilies that acknowledge the presence of families dealing with these issues.

"We see 'Always Our Children' as offering hope for a new generation of lesbian and gay Catholic youth and their parents," said Robert Miailovich, president of Dignity

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"Anyone who grew up hearing Church officials say 'gay is bad' and then finds their own son or daughter, sister or brother is gay, needs a way to have this all make sense. 'Always Our Children' offers a starting point for keeping families together," Miailovich said.

Dignity urges parishes to host workshops on issues faced by gay and lesbian Catholics and their families, to open their facilities for group meetings for concerned parents and family members, and to make positive literature available, and to mention gay people in homilies and community prayers.

Later this summer as part two of the 25th anniversary celebration of Dignity Cleveland, there will be a special prayer service and reception. Invitations to this event will be sent out later this year.

All are welcome to join Dignity Cleveland at their celebration on June 28. If you have any questions or want further information, call 216-531-4469. ♡

Jay Venesy is a member of Dignity Cleveland.

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