Outreach
In 1997, two parishioners came to us asking if we would be open to starting a support group for Catholics who are lesbian or gay. We agreed that it was a need, but did not know how to begin. After some thought and conversation among the members of the Core Team, it was decided that we would start by writing a series of bulletin articles to explore the issues and set forth the teaching of the Catholic Church both in its law and its pastoral practice. That series of articles is called: People of God Who are Gay or Lesbian: A Catholic Pastoral Response. In a very short period of time, it was even more clear that there was a need for this kind of group. Since that time the group has grown and changed. We have prayed together and discussed difficult issues. We have marched together and picnicked together. Since that time, the diocese has begun a ministry with gay and lesbian catholics and several more parishes have begun support groups. In the fall of 2003, our first group moved on to another site so that we could begin a second group, which now meets regularly. Our mission is to offer a safe place for people to come as they are and wrestle with issues of faith and life. The group and its meetings are completely confidential.
We have been committed to fostering
ecumenical relationships for many years. In the past 10 years some of our
activity has included participation in a neighborhood Ministers Group, which
has unfortunately become inactive. We have celebrated together on
Thanksgiving several times, and jointly opened neighborhood food pantries
(Ascension's is called The Bountiful Basement)
Since its signing in the year 2000, we
have honored and prayed weekly for the relationships and goals of
The Joint Covenant between the Roman Catholic,
Episcopal and Lutheran Churches (ELCA).
For the past six years, Ascension
Parish and St. Paul AME Church have held a combined Church picnic in the
summer at Emery Park on W. 130 St. People from both churches come together
for an afternoon of food, friends and fun!
We have also celebrated a Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
with them each year at Ascension.
For about 7 years, we held an afternoon Retreat on Palm Sunday which often
included Puritas Lutheran and Annunciation Catholic Churches.
Since 1997, we have shared a joint Good
Friday Service each year at the Noon hour.
This service is most often held at St. Paul Church on Liberty Ave.
At each encounter, we become a more visible sign of the Body of Christ and continue to pray for the day when we can all come to the Table of the Lord together!
Beginning in March of 2006, our aim is to reach out to young women who have made the decision to give life to their children even in difficult circumstances. It provides an opportunity for them to get together and share joys as well as problems. It is our way of helping to keep them and their children connected, in a positive way, to the Church.
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