LGBT Mass Poster 28-10-17

Following a well attended Mass for LGBT Catholics, their families and friends, celebrated by Bishop Patrick McKinney in the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas in October 2016, the Diocese is to host another Mass this October. The venue this time will be St Alban’s church. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr David Cain, at 2pm on Saturday 28th October. Refreshments will be available in the parish hall following the Mass.  Fr David will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation and/or consultation from 12.30 to 1.30pm.

These masses deliver a strong and clear message to LGBT Catholics that they are welcome and that they have a place in the Church. Last year’s Mass attended by some seventy lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics, their friends and families, from the diocese and beyond.  Bishop McKinney is among a growing number of bishops seeking to be more inclusive. In his homily at last year’s Mass,  reflecting on Jesus’ meeting with the tax collector Matthew, the bishop said, “The view we have of ourselves can often be limited and indeed negatively affected by the way others look upon us and the labels they give us. . . let us take comfort and hope from today’s Gospel story of Matthew who allowed Jesus to draw close to him, to look upon him with love and mercy, so freeing him from a narrow understanding of himself and enabling him to look upon himself as Jesus looked upon him.”

This diocesan initiative is evidence of the principle of accompaniment, meaning that bishops and priests can meet people where they are spiritually and build relationships that help them deepen their faith.

Please join us for this opportunity for Christian fellowship.