EMBRACE
A Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry
DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO
Welcome Bienvenidos
MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE EMBRACE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
The Bishop's Commission of the Diocese of San Bernardino, listens to, accompanies, and supports LGBTQ+ persons and their families, friends, and allies on their faith journeys. As missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, we affirm that all are children of God, created in God's image, members of the body of Christ, and welcome in the Catholic Church.
NUESTRA MISIÓN
COMO LÍDERES MINISTERIALES
La Comisión Episcopal de la Diócesis de San Bernardino escucha, acompaña y apoya a las personas LGBTQ+ y sus familias, amigos y aliados en su jornada de fe. Como discípulos misioneros de Jesucristo, afirmamos que todos somos hijos de Dios, creados a imagen de Dios, miembros del cuerpo de Cristo y bienvenidos en la iglesia católica.
EVENTS
EVENTOS
Embrace Ministry holds fellowship meetings on Zoom and visit parishes throughout the six (6) vicariates in our diocese. During these events, we welcome ALL (minors must always be accompanied by parents/legal guardians), pray together, and engage in respectful dialogue, placing ourselves at the service of the faithful and parish communities for accompaniment and support.
Gifted and Called Ministries in our parishes also hold events specifically for adult LGBTQ+ persons. We share their events here as well.
El ministerio Embrace lleva a cabo encuentros/reuniones comunitarios a través de Zoom y visita parroquias en los seis (6) vicariatos de nuestra diócesis. Durante estos eventos, le damos la bienvenida a TODOS (los menores de edad deben de ser acompañados siempre por sus padres o tutores legales), oramos juntos y entablamos un diálogo respetuoso, poniéndonos al servicio de los fieles y las comunidades parroquiales para brindarles acompañamiento y apoyo.
Los ministerios de Dotados y Llamados cuales presentan su servicios en nuestras parroquias también realizan eventos específicamente para personas adultas LGBTQ+. Compartimos sus eventos aquí.
JUNE 25, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 P.m.
Gifted and Called Ministry Fellowship Meeting (in person)
This event is for adult LGBTQ+ persons only. Guest Speaker: Very Rev. David Andel, J.V.
Location: St. Margaret Mary, 12686 Central Ave., Chino, CA 91710
For more information: gclgbtq@gmail.com (email) or (626) 533-8203 (call or text)​
JUNE 28, 2025 - 10:30 A.M.(Mass & RECEPTION)
Embrace and Gifted & Called Ministries Family Pride Celebration (in person)
Location: St. John Bosco Mission, 28991 Merris Street, Highland, CA 92346
YOU, families, friends, and allies are warmly invited to celebrate Pride Month with a special Mass on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM, celebrated by Very Rev. David Andel, JV. Following the Mass, we welcome everyone to stay for a reception in the parish hall, hosted by Embrace Ministry and the Gifted & Called parish ministries from Palm Springs, Fontana, and Chino. This gathering is an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and share in fellowship. Please feel free to extend this invitation to anyone who may be interested. All are welcome!
For more information: embrace@sbdiocese.org (email) or (909) 475-5377 (call) FLYER HERE
Todos están cordialmente invitados a celebrar el Mes del Orgullo con nosotros en una Misa especial el sábado 28 de junio de 2025 a las 10:30 a. m., presidida por Rvdmo. David Andel, JV. Después de la Misa, los invitamos a quedarse para una recepción en el salón parroquial, organizada por Embrace Ministry y los ministerios parroquiales Gifted & Called de Palm Springs, Fontana y Chino. Será una oportunidad para compartir, celebrar y fortalecer la comunidad en un ambiente de fraternidad y alegría. Si conocen a alguien que pueda estar interesado, no duden en extenderles esta invitación. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! VOLANTE AQUI
​​​
-
"Can Catholics celebrate Pride Month? Yes, and here’s why." article by James Martin, SJ, published on June 1, 2024.
-
¿Pueden los católicos celebrar el Mes del Orgullo? Sí. Lea el resumen de este artículo en español.
-
Can Catholics celebrate Pride Month? Yes, and here’s why. Video by Outreach.faith.
-
Listening, love and encounter – Francis built a bridge to LGBTQ+ community What we learned from Pope Francis' Pontificate and how we plan to move forward with our LGBTQ+ Ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino.
JULY 12-13, 2025
*Special Formation Event
“Mind Informed and Heart Transformed: Building a Comprehensive Pastoral Approach to LGBTQ+ Ministry for Deacons and Their Wives”
(This workshop is only for permanent deacons and their wives ministering in the Diocese of San Bernardino)
This two-day workshop is a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of scientific, biblical, and ecclesiastical perspectives on LGBTQ+ persons and issues. Designed specifically to equip permanent deacons and their wives, this workshop aims to foster a pastoral approach that enables them to compassionately and effectively accompany LGBTQ+ persons and their families who seek guidance, providing support on their spiritual journey as Catholics. This workshop is sponsored by the Office for Deacons, Office of Canonical Services, and the Ministry Formation Institute.
​
JULY 15-AUG. 12, 2025 - 4:00 P.m. TO 6:00 P.m.
Training: A Pastoral Framework to Reduce Risks and Increase Support (every Tuesday)
This is free training that Embrace leadership has been accepted to be participate in. While the program is primarily designed for Catholic school professionals, its mission is deeply aligned with our ministry’s values. The training aims to bridge the gap in ministry and professional practice by equipping educators to better support the physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual care of students who identify as Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM) in Catholic high schools. Nationally, there are very few initiatives, whether in public or private education, that address the holistic needs of SGM students in this way. If you are a Catholic school professional and feel called to grow in this area of ministry and care, we encourage you to learn more and consider participating. Click HERE for more information, some spots are still available.
​
JULY 19, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. TO 3:00 P.M.
Embrace Ministry Planning Meeting
Part I - Embrace leadership will participate in this all-day meeting to plan for the upcoming ministerial year and to explore opportunities for formation and networking.
August 16, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. TO 3:00 P.M.
Embrace Ministry Planning Meeting
Part II - Embrace leadership will participate in this all-day meeting to plan for the upcoming ministerial year and to explore opportunities for formation and networking.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 (Rome, Italy)
This Jubilee EVENT is for anyone interested. Our ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino cannot afford to participate in this pilgrimage this year, but any pilgrim who can afford this trip can join other LGBTQ Catholics and allies at special Jubilee events organized by “La Tenda di Gionata,” an Italy-based LGBTQ Catholic organization, can participate in this official Jubilee celebration. If you are interested in traveling with Outreach, go HERE for more information. Or, you may independently contact La Tenda di Gionata to make arrangements. ​
ALL ARE WELCOME
TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS
We are a ministry that serves Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who seek faith and spiritual support, accompaniment, and Catholic resources concerning LGBTQ+ issues. We promote respect, compassion, sensitivity, and inclusivity and emphasize the inherent dignity of all persons. We strive to provide a safe space for dialogue and welcome all who would like to learn more or simply have questions about this ministry that celebrates more than twenty-five years of service.
Somos un ministerio que sirve a los católicos de la Diócesis de San Bernardino que buscan apoyo en la fe y espiritualidad, acompañamiento y recursos católicos relacionados con temas LGBTQ+. Promovemos el respeto, la compasión, la sensibilidad y la inclusión y enfatizamos la dignidad inherente de todas las personas. Nos esforzamos por brindar un espacio seguro para el diálogo y le damos la bienvenida a todos aquellos que quieran aprender más o simplemente tengan preguntas sobre este ministerio que celebra más de veinticinco años de servicio.