TRANSGENDER MINISTRY OF ACCOMPANIMENT
ACCOMPANIMENT ON THE JOURNEY
The Ministry of Accompaniment to transgender and non-binary persons is an expression of our commitment to them as members of the Body of Christ.
Essential to this commitment is an understanding of the many issues that affect their personal and spiritual well-being and that of their families.
Sister Luisa Derouen is a Dominican Sister of Peace and has been ministering among transgender people and their families nationally for decades. It has been the greatest privilege of her life to know hundreds of transgender people and give witness to the sacredness of their lives. It is her desire that these formation sessions be used in service of those who wish to be a supportive presence of God to transgender and non-binary persons in their journey to wholeness.
THE PROGRAM
The full program consists of 15 videos, each approximately 60 minutes in length recorded via zoom during formation of a group of pastoral ministers in 2021/2022, and in 2024. Each video examines a different aspect of the lives of transgender and non-binary persons. Additional reading materials for each video will be recommended by the program facilitator.
Presenters include religious, subject experts, spouses, parents, and transgender and non-binary persons themselves.
TRACKS
The program options include two similar but different tracks.
The primary track is the formation of individual pastoral ministers to better accompany transgender and non-binary persons as they embrace their lived reality in the context of their Christian faith. This track is designed for individuals who currently serve as spiritual directors, counselors/therapists, vowed religious, educators, ministry directors/facilitators and pastoral ministers. Each formation group will ideally consist of 9-12 persons, facilitated by Fortunate Families, and requires a commitment to study provided resources, to actively accompany a transgender or non-binary person, and to be present for group discernment and discussion. Each twice monthly program session lasts 90-120 minutes and participants should be prepared to devote 4-5 hours of time per month to the program.
Individuals who apply for the program will need to be approved through an additional interview by phone or zoom by Fortunate Families.
The second track is Group educational in purpose, designed for dioceses, schools, parish councils, parish LGBTQ+ ministries, medical associations, or similar organizations, who support and desire to understand more about the lives of transgender and non-binary persons. Groups should have their own facilitator, and can select all, or a subset of, the available videos.
Groups will need to be approved for the program. Group representative(s) should contact Fortunate Families directly by phone or email: Stan “JR” Zerkowski, Executive Director 859-327-1047; Info@fortunatefamilies.com
SESSION TOPICS
- Words Matter: Language and terms. What is Different and Similar for Trans/Gay and Lesbian persons
- What is Non-binary?
- Transgender History in the U.S.
- Theological, Moral, and Pastoral Issues In Spiritual Accompaniment of Trans People
- Spiritual Companioning, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction
- Faith and Spirituality
- Medical Realities for Trans People
- Workplace Inclusion for Transgender and Non-Binary People: A Primer
- Conscience, Development of Doctrine, and Catholic Teaching Related to LGBTQ+ People
- Transgender Children
- Family Dynamics
- Psychological Considerations
- Cis-Gendered Partners/Spouses
- Legal Challenges of Transgender Individuals
- Parenting a Transgender Child
PROGRAM COST
To help defray program costs, there is a $200 per person fee for the ministry program. We also ask you to consider making a recurring donation to Fortunate Families, via our website or by sending a check, as you are able. Education Groups will be asked for a group donation based upon a sliding scale.
APPLICATION
For additional information and to submit an application for the ministry program as an INDIVIDUAL seeking to accompany transgender and non-binary persons and become part of a small group of future pastoral ministers, click here.
Groups interested in the education program should have their representative contact Fortunate Families directly by phone or email: Stan “JR” Zerkowski, Executive Director 859-327-1047; Info@fortunatefamilies.com
