Creating a Spirit of Welcome

A Workshop on Integrating LGBTQ Issues in Catholic Schools
For Administrators, Staff & Faculty Leaders

For information about hosting a workshop, please complete the interest form at the bottom of this page.

With students returning to school, now is a prime moment

for exploring how to make Catholic education more LGBTQ-inclusive.

This workshop is designed to help participants develop LGBTQ initiatives that fit the unique character of your school community. The program includes presentations, discussions, real life examples, small group activities, and discernment of next steps.  For information on workshop staff and suggested schedule, see below.

At the workshop participants will –

  • Acquire understanding of church teaching on sexual ethics and social justice, theological debates, advances and trends in Catholic schools
  • Formulate a plan of action for your school
  • Develop a framework and language for discussing LGBTQ issues
  • Learn how and why Catholics support LGBTQ people
  • Discover website resources to help Catholic schools develop LGBTQ initiatives

Workshop Staff

Francis DeBernardo serves as Executive Director of New Ways Ministry. He is the Editor of Bondings 2.0,  a daily blog on Catholic LGBTQ news, opinion, and spirituality.

Sister Jeannine Gramick, SL is CoFounder of New Ways Ministry.  She has been helping to develop LGBTQ ministry in the Catholic Church since 1971. She is a former high school teacher and college mathematics professor.

Robert Shine is New Ways Ministry’s Associate Director.  He holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Boston College.  In addition to his other duties, Robert oversees youth and young adult programming at New Ways.

Usually two staff members conduct the program.

Suggested Schedule

Day 1

Afternoon Arrival and Check in
Dinner, Gathering Prayer
LGBTQ Ministry in Catholic Schools
Evening Social

Day 2

Breakfast, Morning Prayer
Catholic Sexual Ethics and Social Justice
Church Teaching on LGBTQ issues
Website resources
Lunch
Church Teaching  in Your School
Models of LGBTQ Ministry
Examining the Local Community,
Examining Options, Brainstorming
Dinner
Film and Social

Day 3

Breakfast, Morning Prayer
Employment Issues, Discussion of Policies
Evaluation
Lunch and Departure

Schedule can be adapted to fit local needs. 
A one-day version is also available.

If you would like to host a Creating a Spirit of Welcome workshop at your school, please complete the interest form below.