Bernadette O'Keefe / LinkedIn
CV NEWS FEED // A speaker from a Catholic LGBT ministry is coming to a North Dakota diocese at the end of May to share her story of hope and to offer resources for Catholics struggling with same-sex attraction who want to live chaste lives in the Church.
The Eden Invitation was started in 2017, and its ministry aims at creating “space to receive the whole person, grow systems of mutual support, and empower for creative discipleship,” reads the ministry’s “About Us” webpage. “We are disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, building community with others who desire a way of life in congruence with Christ and His Church.”
On May 9, the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota announced the upcoming event, “Walking in Joyful Hope,” which will be on May 29 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
The speaker, Bernadette O’Keefe, actually hails from Fargo. O’Keefe is the Eden Invitation’s communication and relationship specialist, and she has background experience in campus ministry, middle school teaching, and creative and strategic writing.
On the Eden Invitation’s website, “Joyful Hope” is highlighted among the ministry’s values to encourage its members to say: “I trust in God’s providential care for my past, present, and future. I celebrate the Holy Spirit’s creativity in my charisms and callings. I step into self-gift for my community, the Church, and the world.”
“Beloved Unrepeatability” is one of the other values highlighted, encouraging members to accept their identities as being made in the image and likeness of God.
The other highlighted value is “Mutual Belonging,” which encourages members to “reverence each person as holy ground,” and to “come out of hiding to be loved. Together we are all responsible for one another’s good.”
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis and Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana have each expressed their support of the ministry and its framework.
“I am particularly grateful for your ministry in accompanying young adults with same- sex attraction and gender discordance to realize their full dignity and gifts as beloved children of God,” Archbishop Hebda said.
He said that he is also grateful that the Eden Invitation offers young adults who struggle with same-sex attraction encouragement in following Christ joyfully and in accordance with His teaching.
“There is great need for witnesses to the truth and beauty of Catholic teaching, and your ministry provides opportunities for young adults who are questioning their sexuality or gender to live an abundant life in Christ,” he said.
Bishop Rhoades said the ministry “is a blessing to the Church. Faithful to the truths of our faith, Eden Invitation provides community, support, resources, and conversation for young adults with same-sex attraction and gender discordance.”
“This accompaniment strengthens their bonds with the Church and their lives as disciples of Jesus,” he added. “I have seen the joy and hope of those who join this movement and am happy to endorse Eden Invitation.”
