Building Catholic Witnesses resources are created with the formation and inspiration of LGBT+ and same-sex attracted Catholics in mind. We form them to be comfortable in their own skin, to be confident and honest in Catholic circles, and to be faithful Christian witnesses in secular venues. Building Catholic Witnesses aims to inspire them to respond when invited to intentional discipleship.
LGBT+ and same-sex attracted seekers ask us...
How can I be honest about my love and longings when I encounter Catholics? Will they help me explore what the Church offers people like me?
Where can I find trustworthy Catholics who share some part of my experience?
How can I find confidence, guidance, and inspiration in Scripture and doctrine and the stories of saints?
How can I figure out what to do with my life if I am not called to marriage or religious vows?
Click here to bring BCF to your diocese, parish, or school.
WITNESS RETREATS & CONVERSATIONS:
The content of the Witnesses curriculum is developed for and by LGBT+ and same-sex attracted Catholics and their non-Catholic peers. It is intended to be flexible and can be used for many kinds of events, but Witnesses is always about the perspectives of gay discipleship and offering opportunity for the audience to engage and reflect on their own story as part of the Jesus story.
Witness Panels. Topics for talks and Q&A emphasize our faith journeys and reflection on Scripture, teaching, and Catholic identity.
Affinity Conversations. We help parish and school LGBT+ affinity groups to think of themselves as not only sites of support, allyship, and/or advocacy, but also hubs of Christian formation. We help you assess the leadership potential of the peers and formators among you.
Kerygmatic Retreat. The retreat is a kerygmatic, Scripture-based retreat, during which LGBT+ people encounter the person of Jesus who is not solely High Priest and Bridegroom, but also beloved Friend, Servant, Son, and Brother.
Catholic Witnesses Testimony Builder. The workshop can be done as a stand-alone workshop or as a follow-up to the Kerygmatic Retreat and/or the Journeys Workshop. LGBT+ Christians personalize and hone their telling of their own journeys of faith.
Friendship Retreat. This retreat uses historic Catholic sources such as Thomas Aquinas and Aelred of Rievaulx to help modern Catholics rediscover friendship as a school for virtue. The retreat can be done for young people or for adults, for gay-specific groups or for Catholics of all orientations.
Click here to bring BCF to your diocese, parish, or school.