Annual GLBT Prayer Service

Since 1994 St. Joan’s has presented a prayer service to support its GLBT Community. Usually held the Wednesday evening prior to the Twin Cities annual Pride Celebrations, this year some 75 people attended the joyous celebration in SJA’s church on warm and sunny June 21st. SJA’s GLBT Pot Luck Group Leaders Ron Joki, Theresa Healey and Molly Morton, officiated as presiders. Healy assured us that “We will continue this [tradition] until there is a place for all GLBT Catholics.”

Healey(right) began the service by centering ourselves for prayer and reflection. “We celebrate the gift of peace together,” she remarked as we then greeted and welcomed one another. Morton then spoke about a round table discussion that focused on GLBT issues. For some folks the Pride Parade gives us a bad name, she recalled, the opposite of pride is shame. With regal assurance she proclaimed, “I am a proud lesbian.”

The opening prayer, Our Gifts, written by Chris Glaser, was recited by all:

Our Gifts

Pray that the church accepts the gifts of those of us who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered.

Thank you, O God, for the gifts you have given us to offer the church. May those who have something against us be reconciled to us before approaching your altar.

May they not block our way or impede our access by their failure to rejoice in the way you have made us, the talents we bring and the devotion we offer. Keep us from failing to rejoice in the ways you have blessed us, this and every day.
National and local folk singer-songwriter Ann Reed followed with a nice performance of her composition “Northern Star” and Joki(right) recited a reading by Liz Stein, “The Love of God” which offers the telling closing line “[In God] In you we find acceptance and renewal.”

Joki provided thought provoking reflections suggesting that as a gay community we have challenges and much pain to deal with in the world but the best way to respond to such adversity is quite simple, just welcome one another. He concluded by reading a passage from James and another from the Romans.

Three People Honored for Devoted Services to the GLBT Community

Though he’s one of six prestigious Lavender PRIDE (People Rallying Individuality, Diversity and Equality) Award recipients, SJA parishioner John L. Sullivan was unfortunately unable to make his scheduled appearance for this evening’s gathering. Sullivan was honored for his enormous outpouring of contributions to the GLBT Community. A member of the national Board of Directors Human Rights Campaign (HRC), this compassionate philanthropist is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Imation Corp. Having served on the Grace House Board, he tirelessly continues as a monthly volunteer cook for our neighboring AIDS foster care home, is a board or advisory member to four arts organizations and was instrumental in aiding the Twin Cities to become the most successful local HRC chapter in terms of corporate support.

Healey honored a surprised Ann Reed with a bouquet of flowers for her many heart warming musical contributions here at St. Joan’s: her own concerts, musical guest appearances at masses and various Cabaret performances. Reed’s songwriting, plaintive lullabies of courage, wit, healing and triumph of the human spirit, has a distinct way of comforting us all. Her deep alto voice resonates powerfully with a range equally comfortable addressing social injustices while coyly mocking the absurd. Plus, she rocks supremely on any Patsy Cline cover. Healey remarked, “She allows us to breathe in the joyful loving spirit she infuses in her music.” Reed demonstrated such spirit by performing her signature tune “Heroes.”

Healey also presented a bouquet of flowers to SJA’s Pastoral Ministry/Peace & Justice Coordinator Julie Madden. Responsible for arranging many speakers for GLBT workshops and support gatherings, Madden continues to be an indispensable liaison for SJA’s GLBT Community. “We look to her for guidance. We look to her for strength. Any phone call or e-mail, she’s always there,” acknowledged Healey.

Reed completed the service with a musical note of appreciation, her song “My Grateful Heart.” And grateful we are to Joki, Healey and Morton for continuing to nurture SJA’s GLBT Potluck Group. St. Joan’s inclusive mission asks that everyone be included at God’s table.

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.



Teresa Tierney works for a law firm in Minneapolis in the area of corporate and health care law. A frequent attendee at JOA, she recently became an "official" parishioner. Teresa's passions include her family and friends, photography and, of course, her two felines Ophelia and Paddy. Teresa can be reached at teresatierney@email.com.

Ronnie Angelus says: "There are three things that make my life work: Talking to my daughter who opens vistas to me and makes me laugh; being in the circle of the Divas, my writing group, who shout "go girl" and give me standing ovations with their smiles and tears; sitting next to Mary and Claude Paradis during Sunday Mass at St. Joan of Arc, which is as close to pure goodness as I will know in this lifetime."


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