St. Jerome Parish: Tulsa’s LGBT friendly Catholic Church

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

St. Jerome Parish of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC), located in the heart of Tulsa’s Brady District, has many wonderful events throughout the year. It is an open and affirming church, founded in 1995 to ensure that all people, regardless of gender, marital status, disability, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or age, were embraced and affirmed as full members of Christ's Church.

September is a special month for St. Jerome Parish. It marks the tenth anniversary of the formation of the ECC. Representatives of 11 independent Catholic faith communities formed the Communion in September 2003. St. Jerome has been a part of the ECC for four years.

“We are celebrating with events throughout the month, culminating in celebrating the Feast of St. Jerome on September 29,” said Father Frank Quintana, Associate Pastor at St. Jerome. “The Feast of St. Jerome, our Feast of Title, will be a very big day, indeed. We will celebrate High Mass with baptisms starting at 11am. A statue of St. Jerome, commissioned by Marke Burroughs in memory of his mother Janet Burroughs, and sculpted by Tulsa artist Jeff Brierly, will be blessed and dedicated. Immediately following Mass, there will be a reception.”

St. Jerome will have a special service also, to remember the tragedy of 9/11 and those who lost their lives, family and friends.

“On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7pm, we will show the filmSaint 0f 9/11 which presents the turbulent, restless, spiritual and remarkable journey of Father Mychal Judge,” adds Father Frank. “He was a compassionate champion of the needy and forgotten, a beloved Fire Department Chaplain who lost his life at the Twin Towers ministering to his men of the NYFD, recovering alcoholic, and a gay man who loved his priestly work. The documentary embraces Fr. Mychal's full humanity. We will invite all first responders to receive a blessing and a special token of our appreciation for their civil service. Refreshments will follow.”

When people hear the word “Catholic” they generally think of the Roman Catholic Church. In that church, women cannot be ordained; divorced and re-married people cannot receive communion; LGBTQ people are forbidden to enter into same-sex relationships, married or not; gay people are required to be celibate, and cannot enter the priesthood. In spite of that, in 2006 The American Bishop’s pastoral letter urged LGBTQ people to become members of their local parish.

St. Jerome, as a member of the ECC, is not governed by Roman Catholic Canon Law. They have their own canon law and are governed by both lay and clerical members. The ECC ordains women, and practices open communion to all Christians. They celebrate their LGBTQ sisters and brothers, support marriage equality, and welcome them to participate at all levels of ministry.

“Isn't it better to reach out to people who have been driven out and draw them back to the heart of the community of the People of God?” reflected the Fr. Frank. “Jesus called us to not be divisive, or judgmental, or exclusive. We should be all-inclusive. Wouldn't it be wonderful if children could grow up in church learning to be accepting, compassionate, and kind; to be merciful toward people, not judgmental; to include and not to discriminate, nor hate?”

Father Frank has served St. Jerome since February. He is from Denver. “My partner Ted and I have been together for almost 12 years. I have been a priest for 38 years: I've been active in the priesthood for a little over 25 of those years. I have four wonderful daughters and six precious grandkids, ranging in age from six to 16. I have served as a Pastor, Canon Missioner, Director of a Housing Ministry for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and in the past I spent several years as Associate to the Bishop, which experience brought me to my present position as Associate Pastor to Bishop Rick Hollingsworth at St. Jerome. I responded to the call to St. Jerome because it is a dream come true for me to serve in a parish where the People of God, God's children, are received, welcomed and celebrated without fear of judgment or rejection.”

On October 6, the parish will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals, to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. “We will celebrate with an 11am Mass (no sermon that day),” said Father Frank. “Pets are welcomed and we ask that they be properly kenneled, leashed or caged. As we have no facilities to accommodate livestock, but want to bless all our furry loved ones, please bring a picture or collar or something connected to your pet to bless. Depending on the weather, blessing will take place either out of doors or inside.”

St. Jerome Parish is located at 205 W. King St. (corner of King and Cheyenne) in Tulsa. Call (918) 582-3088 or visit www.stjerometulsa.org.

September 8, 2013