Invited to the "union" ceremony

[Mary3]

I work with several practicing homosexuals, both men and women. They are very vocal and forthcoming about their personal lives. A male coworker has invited me to his “holy union” ceremony.

This man was raised and schooled thru high school as a Catholic. He and his partner are attending an Episcopalian church. The Episcopalian priest would like to officiate at the ceremony, but the local bishop has forbidden it. Not to worry, we have a female boss who knows a non-denom pastor who will preside, and the Episcopalian priest will be there to distribute “holy communion”.

Finally, the coworker is receiving communion currently at the Episcopalian parish, and at a Catholic parish when he visits his mother.

My head is swimming. I’m also feeling repulsed to be in daily confrontations / discussions about this situation. The presumption is, of course, that my adherence to Catholic teaching is intolerant and insensitive. Somebody give me a word of advice or encouragement.:crying:

 

[puzzleannie]

I feel sure you will have a prior commitment on that day, although you could tell him you will be praying for him on that day (you don’t have to tell him what the gist of your prayer will be). That being the case, when I worked in similar circumstances, when I was put on the spot I replied I would not make any comment on choices or actions of individuals, but I would offer Catholic teaching and my personal views if asked directly. I was asked once, replied accurately, and was of course never asked again.

 

[ChristIsTheWay]

I would not attend. I’d find a polite, and honest, reason as to why I can’t. I’d wish them the best and promise to pray for them. As puzzleannie said, that doesn’t mean you have to pray their “union” is a success. I’d pray instead that God show them the truth and help them turn away from sin.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I work with several practicing homosexuals, both men and women. They are very vocal and forthcoming about their personal lives. A male coworker has invited me to his “holy union” ceremony.

This man was raised and schooled thru high school as a Catholic. He and his partner are attending an Episcopalian church. The Episcopalian priest would like to officiate at the ceremony, but the local bishop has forbidden it. Not to worry, we have a female boss who knows a non-denom pastor who will preside, and the Episcopalian priest will be there to distribute “holy communion”.

Finally, the coworker is receiving communion currently at the Episcopalian parish, and at a Catholic parish when he visits his mother.

My head is swimming. I’m also feeling repulsed to be in daily confrontations / discussions about this situation. The presumption is, of course, that my adherence to Catholic teaching is intolerant and insensitive. Somebody give me a word of advice or encouragement.:crying:

Christ never said that it would be easy to follow Him.

 

[Mary3]

Christ never said that it would be easy to follow Him.

I was thinking and praying about this situation on the way to work yesterday. Mostly dreading another day of exposure to all the drama. And then I was impressed with this understanding, “You don’t have the right not to be offended. Follow Me.”