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RETURN TO > CONVENTION 2007 > HOME
Lourdes' Saturday Major Donor Luncheon Remarks
DignityUSA 18th Biennial Convention
Austin, Texas, July 7, 2007
Remarks by Lourdes Rodríguez-Nogués, Vice President-elect
[Editor's note: Lourdes refers to Mark Matson's speech, which preceded hers at the Major Donor Luncheon on Saturday. His speech was repeated and expanded in his Sunday Brunch address.]
Like a good feminist, Mark has certainly outlined for you his process of decision-making. As many of you sitting in this room know, that moment of accepting a leadership role in DignityUSA does not come without a process of discernment; sometimes an agonizing one, and sometimes just a jump in the water, head first hoping that the water is deep enough not to break your neck. You have all survived it, so why can’t I?
As a way of telling you a bit about myself and my process, I have chosen a “famous in the United States” method. The Ten Reasons List:
This is my list.
Why did I agree to serve as Vice-President of DignityUSA?
10. Because my spouse Diane told me to, and I always do what she says.
9. Because Duddy, Hayes, and Burns told me to, and I sometimes do what they say.
8. Because I have a crush on Mark Matson and think he’s the cat’s meow.
7. Because I love to have a good reason to ask people for money, and ask again, and ask again.
6. Because my dear friend Rich Rasi came to me in a dream and brought me colorful balloons when he heard me say I had to write a homily for a parish I was in charge of.
5. Because I believe.
4. Because I believe that Christ has called Dignity to be church and live the Gospel.
3. Because I believe that we have been called as prophets, to tell the truth of our lives as Catholic GLBT people, that others might come to know hope.
2. Because I believe that the work of God’s “kindom” is now and that Dignity has a role in making it real.
1. Because I believe that Dignity gives witness not only to the love that God has for each and every one of her creations; but also to what happens when we are a justice and peace seeking people, creating a table not for a few but for all.
Mark and I offer our love, passion, resources, talents, faith, and hope for Dignity and with Dignity, not because we are perfect, flawless, or have all the answers. But because we have heard the call, because it is our turn to be the leaders of what has been and continues to be a community where God lives and the Spirit is ever-present.
Come join us, not because we say so, but because your loving God expects you to do so.
