MSJC's LGBTQ+ Initiative hosts a weekend retreat as often as possible for LGBTQ+ persons, their families, and allies. The retreat is presented by the LGBTQ+ Retreat Planning Committee and is filled with opportunities for spiritual renewal, teachings of the faith, and time for building community, faith sharing, and fellowship--all with the LGBTQ+ person in mind. See the chart below for information on our past retreats. The team is planning the next retreat for 2025.
Young people today are growing up in a complicated world that presents a constant tug of war between Gospel values and cultural pressures. This is especially true for LGBT youth, many of whom feel isolated and excluded because they are seen as “different”. This booklet offers a Catholic and Marianist rationale, perspective and orientation for assisting LGBT youth as they come to understand their sexuality. It outlines strategies for assuring that our institutions and ministries promote understanding, respect and acceptance for all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation.
This is one of our signature programs, giving witness and leading dialogue about the experience of LGBTQ+ persons and family members in the context of their faith.
This program is for communities (lay and religious) who would like to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. The program includes prayer, witnessing by LGBTQ+ individuals and/or their loved ones, and conversations in small and large groups. To inquire about the program or schedule it for your community please fill out our interest form here.
As the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative's LGBTQ+ Initiative grows and
reaches more people, folks who are aware of the "LG" and "B" may be curious
to broaden their understanding of transgender (or simply trans) identities - the
"T". The LGBTQ+ Initiative Issue Team, in light of this, created a Trans in the Eyes of God Podcast and Discussion Guide for Marianists, small-faith community, parishes, and anyone else introduced to use to foster discussion. The team decided to highlight three podcast episodes
of Trans in the Eyes of God by the Interfaith Voices Podcast, each accompanied by two reflections.
Having a common frame of reference can help us think about and discuss trans identity with friends, family, and community members of faith. These dialogues can also be a beacon of hope for our trans community
members, holding space through education in an effort to foster a welcoming
Marianist community they can be a part of.
We hope, through the projects above or resources below, you’ll gain valuable insights and find support regarding coming out, the role of faith and conscience, how to love LGBT children/family/friends, and ideas for making our world more accepting of LGBT persons. Links and resources are meant to provide information for our readers. Their appearance here is not an endorsement of everything for which the organizations/creators stand.