New Mass Saying “Pride” Priest Fr. Michael Carnevale OFM at St. Francis of Assisi Church Offers Retreat For LGBT Catholics in NYC

On December 3, 2016, Fr. Michael Carnevale OFM will offer an “all-day retreat for LGBT & allies hosted by the unconditionally loving LGBT ministry” of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in New York City; the parish is staffed by the Order of Friars Minor. The Parish web-site includes the following description for the Gay and Lesbian Ministry at St. Francis: We are the Church of St. Francis of Assisi LGBT Ministry, inspired to action by the charism of St. Francis of Assisi, to welcome, worship, and witness. By welcoming, celebrating and engaging, we are an example to our Catholic Community in fostering an inclusive environment. We fulfill our mission by sponsoring spiritual events, educational and social activities and outreach for members of our community and to people in the greater community within the Archdiocese of New York. In addition, the Parish offers a “Pre-Pride” Mass for those attending the annual Gay Pride Parade in New York City. Such events at the Parish, including the accompanying literature from their Gay Ministry, is usually awash in rainbow colors and the “rainbow flag. Pictured holding the “rainbow flag” during the 2016 “Pride” festivities, Carnevale, the parochial vicar at the Parish, is a frequent participant in the Ministry and offers a regular discussion with his “Musing with Father Michael” series. One talk with Carnevale was described as “a deep and honest discussion about scripture through an LGBT lens.” Source