contact: LGBTQ@churchofpresentation.org

LGBTQ Ministry is a welcoming fellowship embracing the dignity and diversity of all Catholics by fostering a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his people, through Word, Worship and Outreach,

Church of the Presentation celebrates all of God’s children in a welcoming and inclusive community.  We strive to enhance the journeys we walk, as a member of the Catholic community, by recognizing the goodness and uniqueness of all.  Our Ministry seeks to enhance each individual by celebrating diversity, experiencing connection, community outreach and spiritual nourishment as we walk together as one Presentation family.

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Parishioner Dr. Frank J. Sileo is a licensed psychologist who has worked with LGBTQIA+ children, adolescents, and families for the pat 28 years. He is also an award-winning author of 15 children’s books and one parenting book. He has two new books with an LGBTQIA+ focus, which are:

Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally

Joy loves her big brother, Noah. He’s the best brother, skateboarder and cookie baker there is! So, when Noah is teased for being gay, Joy wants to help. But how? Joy decides to become an ally – someone who supports others through their words and actions. With her best friend, Elliott, Joy takes action, baking ‘Pride and Joy’ cookies to raise money for the local LGBTQIA+ center. But when the bully tries to put an end to the bake sale, Joy learns that being an ally means using your words, too.

This book has a foreword written by Vanessa Williams, star of TV, film, Broadway, recording artist, and HRC recipient of the Ally of the Year Award. This book also received a glowing endorsement from PFLAG’s Executive Director Brian K. Bond.

and

The Small and Tall Ball: A Story about Diversity and Inclusion

Everyone’s family looks different―and that’s okay! In The Small and Tall Ball, readers will follow the heartwarming story of Oliver, a child who feels excluded from the yearly “Mother-Son & Father-Daughter Dance” because he has two dads. While planning for the dance goes on around him, Oliver learns that other kids in his class are also unable to attend because they have diverse families. “This is NOT fair!” cries one student. How can the students come together to plan a dance where all kids and families are welcome? Find out how the class thinks up a clever idea so everyone can enjoy the dance―making it a special night for those small and those tall!

This book has a foreword by tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Both books have readers’ guides for parents/caregivers on how to open up conversations about these important topics.