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March 9, 2018

Jubilee celebration goes global: DignityUSA selected to host GNRC gathering in 2019

DignityUSA received exciting news this week: we've been selected to host the next Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC) assembly! The assembly will be held July 1-4, 2019 in Chicago--immediately preceding Dignity's 50th Anniversary celebration.

GNRC is an international organization comprised of groups and members from all over the world, working for inclusion, dignity and equality of the LGBT community in the Roman Catholic Church and society.

Looking for a way to be involved in this landmark event? DignityUSA needs a strong team of volunteers to help with planning the GNRC program, worship, travel logistics, cultural events, translation services, etc. Willing to help? Email [email protected].

Stay tuned to Dateline, DignityUSA's Facebook page, and DignityUSA's website for updates about DignityUSA's role as host of the 2019 GNRC assembly.

Five years of Pope Francis: What's the takeaway for LGBTQI Catholics?

DignityUSA's executive director, Marianne Duddy-Burke, took some time to reflect on the upcoming five year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis this week.

"On March 13, 2018, Catholics and many others in the world will mark the fifth anniversary of the election of Jorge Bergoglio as Pope," she writes. "What have these five years meant for LGBTQI and Ally Catholics? What can we expect from the next phase of Francis’ Papacy?"

Read Marianne's relfections on the past five years--and hopes for the future--here

DignityUSA hosts successful board meeting in Orlando

DignityUSA's board of directors met in sunny Orlando, Florida, February 23-25th. Highlights of the meeting include:

-Reviewing the reports from the first segment of Jubilee conversations, “Recalling Our Roots," and feeling awestruck by the strength, love and resilience evident in our movement’s history.

-Welcoming DignityUSA's newest board member, Patrick Journet, of Dignity Pittsburgh.

-Discussing plans for the upcoming Young Adult retreat, and ways that DignityUSA can continue to engage the young adults in our mission.

-Reviewing a proposal by the chairs of our marketing, development, chapter services, and membership committees, calling for closer collaboration as DignityUSA works to engage current members and attract new members.

-Reporting on and discussing finances, our strategic plan, development, and the 2019 conference in Chicago.

-Celebrating liturgy and sharing a meal with the local Dignity community, the St. Dorothy Catholic Community, which evolved from Dignity/Orlando.

At the end of their time together, the Board left Orlando energized and committed to supporting DignityUSA's members, advancing LGBTQI justice, and growing our financial base so that DignityUSA can do even more work for advocacy and inclusion of LGBTQI community in our Church and world.

Have questions about the work of the board, please contact us at 1-800-877-8797 or [email protected].

If you’d like to join DignityUSA's board of directors, nominations for the board are now open at https://www.dignityusa.org/webform/dignityusa-nomination-form

For more information on serving on the board visit https://www.dignityusa.org/serving-on-board

Young adult,18-35? You're invited!

Calling the next generation of DignityUSA! We want YOU to be a part of DignityUSA's Young Adult Caucus' (DYAC's) 2018 retreat in Denver, CO, July 13-15.

DYAC's retreat is a time for young adults, ages 18-35, to build and strengthen friendships, renew commitments to DignityUSA, and to grow personally. Retreat participants will return to their home chapters and communities spiritually renewed in faith and fellowship, ready to be a light to lead DignityUSA forward.

Registration to attend the retreat includes room and board. Participants are responsible for travel to the conference. Scholarships are available.

Marianne headed to Rome to represent US Catholics at "We are Church International"

Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA's executive director will be representing US Catholics, together wtih Kate McElwee of the Women's Ordination Conference, at the We Are Church International meeting in Rome next week (Mar 16-18). Among topics of discussion are the Synod on Youth, the World Meeting of Families, and a 2018 People’s Synod in Brazil.

We Are Church International is a movement committed to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church on the basis of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it.

Jim Clay, Dignity/Philadephia member, honored with award

On March 29, Jim Clay will receive the Mary Magdelene Award from the Core Committee of Southeastern Pennsylvania Women's Ordination Conference (SEPA-WOC). Jim is an active, valued volunteer with both SEPA-WOC and Dignity/Philadephia. Congratulations and thank you for your witness and service, Jim!

Read more about the Mary Mangdalene Award on SEPA-WOC's website