Jenny Naughton, California
Jenny has lived in California all of her life. She and her husband John, reside in Diamond Bar,CA. They have one child, a son who is gay.
Jenny has been a catechist for more than 20 years. She is currently a Master Catechist for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2007, she founded “Always Our Children” a parish based support group for parents of gay and lesbian children, answering the call to ministry called for in the USCCB pastoral letter of the same name. The ministry is now called No Barriers to Christ, is located at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in San Dimas, CA, and it’s members are LGBTQ people, parents and allies who gather monthly to pray, support one another and share their stories. All are welcome!
In addition, she developed the Education Committee and serves on the Leadership Committee of the Archdiocesan Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons (CMLGP).
In 2008 she was awarded the Pastors Leadership Award from her parish and in 2011 the Lumen Christi Award from the Los Angeles Archdiocese Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics (now CMLGP)
Bradley A. Leger, Louisiana
Evangelization Chair
Brad is an educator, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, liturgical musician and international development consultant. He has experience with diversity and equity efforts on the university level and has worked with a number of boards and organizations that facilitate community, leadership and economic development. He holds degrees in education and pastoral studies and a certificate in social justice. The foundation of his work embraces the tenets of equity, access and opportunity for all.
Alecia Moss, Pennsylvania
Evangelization
Originally from Baltimore, MD, Alecia and her husband, Joseph, have lived in western Pennsylvania for the past 23 years. She is an active member of St. Vincent Basilica Parish in Latrobe, PA. She and her husband have three adult children. The youngest, their only son, is gay and is currently living in Brooklyn, NY.
Alecia received her bachelor of science in nursing from Loyola College and the University of Maryland. She was serving as a nurse on active duty in the US Air Force when she met her husband, who is a physician. They have been married for 32 years, and, their family and faith have always been at the center of their life. Alecia has lead the Children's Liturgy of the Word program in her parish for more than 20 years. She has served on the Adult Education Committee, in RCIA and in Children's Faith Formation. She continues to serve her Church as she works to start an LGBT outreach ministry, Always God's Children, within her parish and diocese. As a grandmother of two, she very much wants her grandchildren to grow up in a Church that is loving and respectful of all, particularly those marginalized by our society. She spent three years as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) representing children in the foster care system. Currently she is active in her local PFLAG chapter as secretary and was very proud to have marched in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade for the past two years carrying the Fortunate Families Banner.
Deb Word, Tennessee
Deb, a native Memphian, is the proud mother of two and grandmother of two. Chris, her oldest son, is gay. She is the office manager for a distribution company.
Deb and her husband, Steve, have been active in parish life for more than 35 years, living in Tennessee, Kansas, Mississippi and now back in Memphis. Deb has served as president of the Women’s Guild, and Women of the Cathedral, Building Chair, Pastoral Council Chair, and Finance Council Chair. Deb and Steve are Eucharistic Ministers.
Deb is active in CALGM, the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, The Tennessee Equality Project, and HRC. She and Steve are also part of the 1st Tuesday Potluck Host Team, and Parent Support Team for the Diocesan Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons.
One of Deb’s favorite ways to educate people about LGBT concerns is by writing letters to newspapers, bishops, etc. She is a frequent public speaker in Memphis on the topic of "discarded" homeless gay youth.
Deb and Steve received the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center 2009 Volunteers of the Year award for welcoming homeless GLBT youth into their home, and in 2011 Deb was honored with a Memphis Women of Achievement Award in the category of “Courage” for that work as well as for her “dialogue with the bishops."