I’m sure you are aware of the great controversy swirling around in our country and in many other parts of the world over gender identity.  There is a small, but important, segment of society that struggles with it. And, our Lord, who calls us all into an intimate relationship with him and his heavenly Father, calls us to both generosity and truth as we address this issue.

 

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Life and Family is sponsoring a workshop on Saturday, 7 September, here in our Parish Center, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  Allow me to quote the flyer you will find on the church doors and at the church entrances (feel free to take one home):

 

Please join Andrew Comiskey and friends as we discover together the compassion and clarity of Jesus for persons facing sexual identity problems.  The Father designed us and Jesus redeems us.  His redeeming love ushers in the splendid challenge of becoming whole: men and women who are integrating the powers of life and love in our lives, one day at a time.

 

We want to ignite the Church with Spirit-filled, truthful hope so that she might shine bright in this confusing hour.  We – His members – can and must make the difference in the lives of loved ones.  We begin with our own repentance unto intimate reliance upon Jesus.  Join us as we humble ourselves before the Crucified and become good news for seeking hearts.

 

This workshop will address a variety of questions such as:

 

  • The Church’s prohibition of sexual immorality is not a call to a dead humanity, but a humanity fully alive! Therefore, if people struggle with gender insecurity, gender confusion or same-sex attraction, what does that mean for them?
  • Men and women are called to be good gifts in their gendered selves. How can they obtain freedom from the grips of sexual and relational brokenness, so as to unleash the gift God created?
  • Jesus has come to heal broken humanity. Can He heal and transform sexual brokenness? Come and hear the witnesses of those who have found Christ and His Church to be a healing ground for their broken sexuality!

 

When I was the director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Family Life Office, the predecessor of the Office for Life and Family, the Church was just beginning to address the issues surrounding human sexuality.  In 1989, I was considered a pioneer when I introduced Courage (a support group for men with same-sex attractions who were striving to live according to the Church’s teachings) and EnCourage (a support group for parents and family members of these men) in the Archdiocese.  Now, we are all aware of the growing LGBTQ movement; much has changed since 1989 but the Church’s teachings and Christ’s compassion have not.  I invite you to come and join in this very important workshop as we seek clarity and charity before God.  Register at https://gendermattersphilly.eventbrite.com.  The cost for the workshop is $25 (lunch will be included for those who pre-register).  For more information, call 816-767-1730 or email info@desertstream.org.