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Sexuality and Gender Ministry

- Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
  
  -John 4:10
  
  The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is dedicated to finding ways to invite and accompany individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ into full participation within the life of the church. The Sexuality & Gender Ministries Committee endeavors to help all people come to full knowledge of the truth and beauty found in the teachings of Christ and his Church so that all may live fully their life in Christ.
  
  Please see information below about the various ministry opportunities available for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and their families.
Programs
- Courage
  The Courage apostolate is the Church’s invitation to people who experience same-sex attractions, who desire to live in accord with the Gospel call to chastity.
  
  A confidential support group led by a priest chaplain, Courage accompanies men and women along the road to integration, freedom and discipleship. United by friendship with Christ and one another, Courage members strive for chastity and holiness, meeting regularly for prayer and mutual support.
  
  The Houston Chapter of Courage meets weekly in a confidential time and place. For more information, please email [email protected] or go to www.archgh.org/courage.
  
  If you are a family member or loved one to someone who is experiencing same-sex attraction, please check out the EnCourage group details.
- Encourage
  The EnCourage ministry welcomes parents, spouses, and other loved ones of people who experience same-sex attractions to join together regularly for prayer and mutual support.
  
  Under the direction of a priest chaplain, EnCourage members seek to know God’s will for themselves and their loved ones, and to follow it with charity and patience. EnCourage members meet regularly to support one another towards the goal of staying true to the teachings of the Church while maintaining strong, healthy family bonds.
  
  The Houston Chapter of EnCourage meets once a month in a confidential time and place. For more information, please email [email protected] or go to www.archgh.org/encourage.
  
  If you are experiencing same-sex attraction and desire to seek support to live a life of chastity, please check the Courage group details.
- Love & Truth
  Love & Truth is a ministry of accompaniment for parents, guardians, and relatives whose children identify as transgender. Rooted in the Catholic faith, we seek to uphold both the dignity of every person and the truth of God’s design for humanity.
  
  We walk together in love, offering one another spiritual support, honest dialogue, and compassionate listening. We recognize the deep complexity of identity and the profound love parents have for their children. In this journey, we also walk in truth and strive to remain faithful to Christ and His Church while nurturing bonds of clarity, honesty, hope, and grace within our families.
  
  In Love & Truth, we find a community that understands our questions, honors our love, and helps us grow in fortitude, wisdom, and peace. We believe that love and truth are not opposites but companions on the path of mercy.
  
  Love & Truth meets monthly in a confidential time and place. For more information contact us at 713-741-8710 or by email at [email protected].
- Eden Invitation
  Eden Invitation is a movement for Catholics and Christians with LGBTQ+ experiences. To live in the tensions around faith, sexuality, and gender can be burdensome. But what is Christ’s invitation? “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). We believe abundant life in Christ is possible—we can thrive in fidelity to the Church’s wisdom about sexuality and the human person.
  
  If you are an LGBTQ+ disciple on the way, striving to follow Christ in His Church or still figuring things out, Eden Invitation is a place for you. Eden Invitation ministries offer several opportunities for individuals to participate in their ministry events including:
  
  Community Events (online)
  Book Club (Online)
  Retreats (In-person near Minneapolis)
  
  For details about upcoming events or to schedule a connection call, visit their website directly here: https://www.edeninvitation.com/
  
  Eden Invitation - Trail Map
  
  Getting to know Eden Invitation
Pastoral Guidelines
- The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has created a pastoral guideline for accompanying Catholics experiencing same-sex attraction or gender discordance and their families.
  
  This section offers a brief overview of that guideline.
  The Sexuality & Gender Ministries Committee plans to offer annual training for all pastoral leaders who wish to learn more about these guidelines. To be alerted about when the next training will be happening, please sign-up on the interest list below.
  
  Would you like to know more? Interest Form.
- Goals
  Our end goal always needs to be salvation of souls.
  We are a field hospital, a refuge for the hurt.
  We render aid to the wounded, not accusations.
  
  Our purpose is to draw people closer to Christ, not drive them further away
- Foundational Principles
  Dignity of the Human Person
  Love and Truth
  Call to Holiness
  Hospitality
  Pastoral Care
- Norms for Pastoral Care
  Demonstrate Christian Compassion
  Maintain Fidelity to the Church’s Teaching
  Avoid Situations that Will Confuse or Scandalize the Faithful
  Promote a Culture of Welcome and Compassion
  Call Forth Their Gifts
- Pastoral Model
  Internal Preparation: The Heart of the Minister
  
  Biblical Blueprint: Jesus and the Woman at the Well
  
  Five Tools of Accompaniment
  
  Practical Guidelines for Ministry
- Sacramental Considerations
  For people experiencing same-sex attraction, the majority of sacramental issues are handled as they would be for anyone else.
  So, as long as they are not in some sort of grave persistent state of sin, the sacraments cannot be denied.
  
  If they are in some sort of grave persistent state of sin (such as being in a civilly recognized same-sex union) then consultation will be needed with the Tribunal.
- Resources
  What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?” -Luke 11:11-12
  
  Pastoral Response:
  Male, Female, Other? – Jason Evert
  God and the Transgender Debate – Andrew T. Walker
  
  Ideological Response:
  When Harry Became Sally – Ryan T. Anderson
  Irreversible Damage – Abigail Shrier
  Genesis of Gender – Abigail Favale
  
  Sociological/Scientific Response:
  Sexuality and Gender: A Companion to the New Atlantis Special Report
  
  Online Resources (Mix of Different Types):
  Person and Identity Project: personandidentity.com
  Jason Evert / Chastity Project:
  Chastity.com/gender
  Chastity.com/qa/category/gender/
  
  Magisterial Documents:
  Dignitas Infinita
  Male and Female He Created Them
  
  It is important to always match the appropriate resource to the individual and the situation.
- Counselor Information
  
  Everyone can benefit from therapy, and there is no shame in getting help. The most important therapeutic aspect of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. Therefore, when choosing a therapist it is important to remember that you are hiring someone to work for you, so it is your right and obligation to choose someone with whom you connect and want to work.
  
  Please click the resources below for a Counselor Information Guide and also a list of Mental Health Resources.
  
  Counselor Information Guide Mental Health Resources
- Quarterly Newsletter
  
  The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is working to find ways to invite and accompany individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ into full participation within the life of the church.
  If you are interested in receiving our quarterly newsletter to learn more about our various ministry initiatives, please click the link below.
  
  Sign up here for the official Archdiocesan Quarterly Newsletter!