Some Recent Events and Posts
If you’re looking for our upcoming events and current announcements, they’re listed here.
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Our October Meeting - Movie Night
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1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture
Tuesday, October 1 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Please join us on Tuesday, October 1st, in the Fr. Meisel Hall, for our monthly meeting. This month we will be showing the movie 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. This is a documentary that follows the stories of researchers who trance the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. It features commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creator. Ed Oxford, one of the researchers, will be there for a Q&A following the movie. Our meeting will begin at 6:45 and the movie will start promptly at 7:00PM. There will be light refreshments served. Donations will be accepted at the door. Hope you are able to attend this amazing meeting.
Our September Meeting - Lectio Divina
Tuesday, September at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
We would like to invite to join us on Tuesday, September 3, in the Fr. Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, for our monthly meeting. This month we will be having a Lectio Divina. Join us as we share with each other how God’s Word speaks to us. Please bring your bible as copies of the reading will be limited. Hope to see you there.
Our August Meeting - Birdcage the Movie
Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
So very sorry, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE FOR EVENT IN PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS WAS INCORRECT. We would like to invite you to our August meeting. We will be meeting in the Fr. Meisel Hall on Tuesday, August 6th at 7:00 PM. This month we will be showing the classic movie The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. This is a delightful comedy about a Gay couple meeting the ultra-conservative parents of their son’s fiancée. There will be movie snacks (hot dogs and popcorn) and drinks. Hope you are able to get away for a few hours from all the chaos and enjoy some fellowship with us.
Our July Meeting - BBQ Potluck
Tuesday, July 2 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
You are invited to attend our July BBQ Potluck which will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Meisel Hall. This month we will celebrate all the joys of summer with a “BBQ” potluck. We will provide the fried chicken and drinks, you provide your favorite side dish, and together will we have an evening filled with great food and fellowship; there may even be a few new friendships created along the way. Hope you enjoy all the fun activities planned. See you there and happy summer!!
Our Annual Pride Mass 2024
Sunday, June 9, 2:00 p.m., St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Please join us on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM at St. Matthew Catholic Church for our annual Pride Mass. This year we are celebrating 38-years of Ministry to the LGBTQ+ community. Our Celebrant will be Fr. Gerard O’Brien. This is an amazing opportunity to be nourished at our Lord’s table surround by a loving supportive community. All Are Welcome!!
Our June Meeting - Game Night
Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
You are invited to attend our June meeting which will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Meisel hall. This month we are going to continue celebrating Pride Month with games and fellowship. We are hoping for an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level playing games such as UNO, Cards Against Humanity and Jenga. There will be light refreshments served. Hope you are able to join us for this evening of fellowship. God Bless
Our May Meeting - Cinco de Mayo
Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Happy Spring everyone. We hope you continue to embrace the Easter season and the many blessings promised by our Lord. We invite you to attend our Cinco de Mayo celebration on Tuesday May 7th. June 6, 2023. We will meet at 7:00PM in the Fr. Miesel Hall. There will be food, games, music and fellowship. If you’re able, please bring a acompañamiento or guarnición (side dish) or postre (dessert) to share with fellow partygoers (enough to serve, say, 4 or 6 people). If not, don’t keep that from holding you back from attending.
Long Beach Pride - May 18 - May 19
George Takei: “We should indeed be calm in the face of indifference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” Does not the shepherd care for all of his sheep? God created us in the womb, and declared us acceptable. No one has the right to deny us our full humanity as children of God. Diversity (white, black, brown, straight, gay) is the kingdom of God. For over 30 years this has been the constant message of Comunidad.
Every year at the Long Beach Pride festival Comunidad sponsors the "Welcome Home, Catholics" booth. Comunidad proclaims our message, humanity and our life in the Church. The dates for Pride are May 18 and 19. Please stop by our booth. For more information about all the goings-on at Pride go the Pride website.
Our April Meeting - Marie Cartier
Jesus falls the first time by Jessica Miller Kelley
Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dr. Marie Cartier will be our guest speaker at our Tuesday monthly meeting, April 2, 2024, 7 pm. Dr. Cartier wrote Baby You Are My Religion ten years ago and she will update us on experiences lesbians have had those days when for years bars acted as churches and what is happening today. The meeting is at St. Matthew Gerald Meisel Hall. We are honored to have her as a presenter and will include two virtual opportunities: Facebook live at the Comunidad Facebook page or Zoom or Dial by phone: 1 669 444 9171. The Meeting ID: is 850 1399 5866. The Passcode is 040224. [Please note that the movie previously offered for April 2 in our last newsletter will be canceled in lieu of this rare opportunity.]
Our March Meeting - Stations of the Cross
Jesus falls the first time by Jessica Miller Kelley
Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Hello all, we hope you are having a Blessed Lenten season. Comunidad would like to invite you to attend our March 5th meeting at 7:00 PM. This month we will be meeting in classroom 3&4 and our program will be a mediative reflection on the Stations of the Cross from an LGBTQ+ perspective. We will serve a light “soup supper” and there will be time for fellowship following the program. Again, many blessing to you and your loved ones- Hope to see you there!!
Our February Meeting - Communion Service
Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
As we begin 2024, Comunidad would like to invite you to attend our February 6th meeting at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Miesel Hall. Deacon George will offer a Communion Service and Blessing as we install the 2024 Steering Committee Members for another year of service. There will be time for socialization after the service and light refreshments will be served. Hope you are able to join us.
Our December Meeting - Christmas Celebration
Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Happy Advent Everyone!! As we prepare for this most joyous season, Comunidad would like to invite you to our Christmas celebration which will be held on Tuesday, December 5th at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Miesel Hall. This will be an evening of fellowship, games, prizes/gifts and amazing food. The main dish will be provided and we encourage everyone to bring a yummy side dish or something sweet to share with the group. Also, to make Las Posadas a festive event for St. Matthew's youth please contribute a bag(s) of individually wrapped candy. We hope you are able to join us.
Fr. Norm's ‘All Souls’ Teaching Mass
Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Hello!!! As we approach Advent, we would like to take some time to remember, honor and pray for our loved ones that are no longer with us. You are invited to attend our November meeting, which will be a teaching Mass. Fr. Norm will help us better understand the parts of the Funeral Rite as we honor those we have lost. Our meeting, as always, will be the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM; November 7, 2023. We will meet in the church to celebrate this Mass. We will honor and pray for those who have gone before us during this “All Souls” gathering and you are encouraged to bring a picture of your loved one(s) to place on the altar. This will be a time of remembrance, prayer, reflection as well as learning. We hope you are able to join us at this very special meeting. ALL OUR WELCOME
Armando Ibañez's Undocumented Tales
Tuesday, October 3 in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
Comunidad invites you to our October meeting which will be held on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00 PM. We will meet in the St Matthew Fr. Meisel Hall for a presentation by Armando Ibañez on the YouTube series
“Undocumented Tales.”
“Undocumented Tales.” follows the journey of Fernando, an undocumented queer immigrant from Mexico living in the U.S. Fernando‘s story is one which is rarely told in the broader immigrant and LGBTQ communities and one that is almost never told in mainstream media. The series serves as an online platform that brings together the intersections of immigration status, homophobia, class, and race to portray the realities of what it means to be both undocumented and queer in the U.S.
Armando Ibañez is a queer filmmaker from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. Armando is committed to portray authentic Latinx characters and address real issues impacting immigrants and LGBTQ communities in the U.S.
Note: Because of transcription errors some of you who signed up at Long Beach Pride for the Comunidad newsletter may not have received it. We apologize for these errors. If you still wish to receive the newsletter, please Click Here.
Our June Meeting - Movie Night
Tuesday, June 6 in St. Matthew Church at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
Happy Spring everyone. We hope you are enjoying the longer days as we move from the Easter season to Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us and our ministry. As enter Ordinary Time Comunidad would like to invite you to join on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. We will meet at 7:00PM, to watch Close, in Fr. Meisel Hall. The film is a 2022 coming-of-age drama film. It follows two teenage boys whose close friendship is thrown into disarray when their schoolmates notice their intimacy, causing a rift between them. Light refreshments will be provided. Hope you will be able to join us. God Bless.
Our May Meeting - Cinco de Mayo
Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm in St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Happy Spring everyone. We hope you continue to embrace the Easter season and the many blessings promised by our Lord. We invite you to attend our Cinco de Mayo celebration on Tuesday May 7th. June 6, 2023. We will meet at 7:00PM in the Fr. Miesel Hall. There will be food, games, music and fellowship. If you’re able, please bring a acompañamiento or guarnición (side dish) or postre (dessert) to share with fellow partygoers (enough to serve, say, 4 or 6 people). If not, don’t keep that from holding you back from attending.
Long Beach Pride - May 18 - May 19
George Takei: “We should indeed be calm in the face of indifference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” Does not the shepherd care for all of his sheep? God created us in the womb, and declared us acceptable. No one has the right to deny us our full humanity as children of God. Diversity (white, black, brown, straight, gay) is the kingdom of God. For over 30 years this has been the constant message of Comunidad.
Every year at the Long Beach Pride festival Comunidad sponsors the "Welcome Home, Catholics" booth. Comunidad proclaims our message, humanity and our life in the Church. The dates for Pride are May 18 and 19. Please stop by our booth. For more information about all the goings-on at Pride go the Pride website.
Our March Meeting - Bishop Marc Trudeau's Lenten Reflection
Tuesday, March 7 in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
As we enter the season of Lent you are invited to attend our March 7th meeting in which Bishop Marc Trudeau will share his thoughts on Lent. Join us March 7 in the Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at 7:00 PM for this inspiring discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!!!
Our February Meeting - Mardi Gras
Tuesday, February 7 in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
As we continue Ordinary Time and prepare for Lent, we invite you to join us for our February 7th meeting as we celebrate Mari Gras. Please join us at 7:00 in the Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall for an evening of fun and fellowship. Dress in your “finest” Carnival attire, bring your favorite international appetizer to share with others and participate in the festivities. Hope to see you there!!!
Our January Meeting - A Mass for Installation of the Comunidad Steering Committee
Tuesday, January 3 at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
As we enter the Christmas season, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Comunidad hopes you had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by love of family and friends. May the New Year bring you much love, health and prosperity.
We invite you to attend our January 3rd meeting as we hold an installation Mass in the church. Join us at 7:00 PM for Mass followed by a light reception in the hall.
Our November Meeting - All Souls Remembrance
Tuesday, November 1 in Fr. Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Matthew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
Hello everyone. You are invited to attend our monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Meisel Hall. We will honor and pray for those who have gone before us during our All Souls gathering. Please bring a picture of your loved one(s) to place on our altar. This will be a time of remembrance, prayer and reflection, and sharing. We hope you are able to join us at this very special meeting. Light refreshments will be served. ALL OUR WELCOME
Our October Meeting - Our Faith Journey
Tuesday, October 4 in Fr. Meisel Hall at 7:00 pm, St. Mattew's Church 672 Temple Ave, Long Beach
Dear Friends,
Happy Fall everyone. You are invited to attend our monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 4 in the Fr. Miesel Hall at 7:00PM. This month, members will share their stories found in Comunidad’s upcoming outreach booklet. These “faith journey” stories will exam how members reconciled their sexual and faith identities. We hope you are able to participate in this very personal and meaningful experience.
Ecumenical BBQ
Steven and Jim invite you to their annual Ecumenical BBQ. This year it will be held on Saturday, August 13th in Huntington Beach. Bring your favorite dish to share and come join the fun. There will be great food, games and fellowship. Last years game of Card Against Humanity was a Hugh hit!!! With recent rises in COVID, our host require all guests to be fully vaccinated and boosted or so proof of a negative test within 2 days. To RSVP send an email to steven@jimbocosw.com or text Steven at 714-536-5172.
Comunidad Annual Retreat
Divine Love and Mercy – don’t we all need that? Many may try to deny it to LGBTQIA+ Catholics. But we, too, are Children of God – a God who loves us and who is willing to share Divine Mercy with all God’s Children.
Now that the years of pandemic have become manageable, Comunidad is excited to again offer a fall retreat experience! You’re invited to: “DIVINE LOVE AND MERCY”: a Divine Mercy Retreat for LGBTQIA+ Catholics and Supporters”
Deadline to return your registration is October 4th. Please contact Steven at (714)536−5172 for more information or if you are having difficulty meeting the deadline.
Read the biography of our retreat director,Caterina Krai and Registration Details.
Long Beach Pride
Everything PRIDE. This year Comunidad will be participation in the Long Beach Pride events,
July 9th and July 10th, in two ways. First, we will have a both on both Saturday and Sunday. Please stop by and say hello. Second, Comunidad will walk in the parade. If you are interested in participating with us for either of these please contact Mark Davis at 562-427-4558 for more information.
July Pride Mass
Sunday, July 24 at St Matthew CatholicChurch., 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Comunidad will be celebration our Pride Mass on Sunday, July 24 at St Matthew Catholic
Church. Mass will begin at 3:00 PM. Please join us at the Table of Christ and we come together, as a family, to give thanks for all the blessings our Lord has given. There will be a reception to follow in the hall
Communion/Prayer Service
Tuesday, February 1, 7:00 pm in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
You are invited to our February meeting which will take place on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 in the Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall at St. Matthew Parish. This month, we will have a prayer/communion service, led by Deacon George Mora, to inaugurate our 2022 Board Members. After the service, members of the board will share their experience with this ministry and invite feedback from the membership on topics that would be of interest for upcoming meetings/retreats.
Advent Wreathe Lighting
Tuesday, December 7, 7:00 pm in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
You are invited to our December meeting which will take place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew parish hall. This month, we will have a Virgen de Guadalupe skit and an Advent wreath lightening and prayer. Light refreshments will be served.
A Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 4 at the Long Beach Playhouse
There is still time to get your tickets for the Saturday, December 4th opening night of A Christmas Carol at the Long Beach Playhouse. Comunidad members will be seated section C for this performance and will gather afterwards in the reception area. Hope to see you there.
Sister Act
On Saturday, October 23rd members enjoyed an evening of theatre at the Long Beach Playhouse with the production of Sister Act. 24 individuals enjoyed fellowship before the performance with a meal (service was a bit bumpy-but the company made up for it) followed by a wonderful play. There was so much laughter, what a way to get-a-way from it all for a few hours. Many stayed after to enjoy the champagne reception, meeting of the cast and more conversation. Several even commented that they would like to see again. What a fantastic evening!
Remembering
Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 pm in Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
On Tuesday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. we will meet in the parish hall for our October meeting. The theme “Remembering” will include reading poems from Leslea Newman’s published October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard. Newman uses poetry to tell the story of the beating death of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old homosexual college student at the University of Wyoming in October of 1998. She describes how Shepard was lured into a truck by his murders and how those men left him to die. There will be a discussion after reading each poem.
At our November meeting we will be holding Steering Committee Member elections for the 2022 year. I encourage you to consider sharing your talents in YOUR ministry by volunteering for this opportunity. The committee meets once a month, typically the 3rd Tuesday, from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. We discuss the upcoming monthly activities our ministry will participate in. Please feel free to contact me, 562-427-4558, for more information and/or add your name to the hat. God Bless, Mark
Our July Meeting - A Potluck Picnic
Sunday, July 18 at 12:00 p.m. at El Dorado Park
Dear Friends,
Please join us Sunday, July 18th at noon for a potluck to celebrate summer. Comunidad members will gather at El Dorado Park, the South/East conner of Willow & N. Studebaker Road. There is parking on Studebaker Road as well as in the parking lot which is accessible from Los Arcos Street; go to the very end of the parking lot. Please look for the WELCOME HOME CATHOLICS and HOLY SPIRT banners. Since we are still testing the waters for post-COVID gatherings, everyone is encouraged to bring their own food and drink picnic favorites. Members will try to “secure” picnic tables earlier in the day, but bringing your own blanket and/or chairs is highly recommended. We hope to see you all there for a wonderful afternoon of fellowship.
Our June Meeting - Pride Mass
Sunday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m., In-Person and Virtual
Dear Friends,
You are invited to our Pride Mass which will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM in the St. Matthew's Parish. As we were not able to hold this Mass last year, we have a lot to make up for. With COVID this past year has brought much change, suffering and happiness; what better way to “re-awaken” from the pandemic then to bring all of it to the Lord’s table. We will also be streaming the Mass via Zoom and Facebook-Live. Please see below on ways to connect virtually if you are not able to participate in person.
Our February - Lent Prayer Service
Tuesday, February 2 at 7:15 p.m., Virtual Meeting with Zoom
Dear Friends,
Think back on your life and the lives of those close to you. Whenever we want to do something successfully (e.g., being good at our jobs, having a good relationship and/or getting married, having children, learning a new skill, singing in choir, dancing, playing a sport, having a financially secure and happy retirement, etc.) doesn’t it usually help to prepare?
Lent is a time of preparation for the glory of Easter. As Catholics we focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We seek to improve our relationship with God (i.e., something we should always be doing anyway?!). While many of us F enjoy a good Mardi Gras party, we don’t suddenly become holier when we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 17th this year. Since we’re in octave of Valentine’s Day and love, why not celebrate our love for God and God’s love for us in a special way this year? So, why not celebrate our love for God and God’s love for us in a special way this year?
Consider this brief reflection and praying this simple prayer by Vinita Hampton Wright:
Tell God, and yourself, every day, “I want to be open to the graces of this Lenten season.” Maybe you’re not open right now, or you’re not as open and willing as you’d like to be or think you should be. What else is new? We can always open our lives a bit more, let go of more stuff, listen better, and do more quickly and passionately what we know helps nurture God’s kingdom on earth.
Because we can be very good at fooling ourselves about how well we’re doing, why not quietly ask God, “What does my soul need?”
To prepare for our meeting we strongly encourage you to review and download February's meeting outline and spiritual resources which we uploaded to Dropbox.
God Bless, Mark and Bea
Our January Meeting - Prayer Service
Tuesday, January 5 at 7:15 p.m., Virtual Meeting with Zoom
Dear Friends,
Comunidad invites you to their first meeting of 2021. During this meeting we will have a brief Prayer Service to install our Board Members for the year followed by a “Meet our new Pastor” discussion. Father Randy will spend time with us sharing his story and answering questions to help us get to know him better. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 and will begin at 7:15 PM. The Prayer Service will begin about 7:30 PM.
Our January Meeting - Owning Our Faith
Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Comunidad would like to invite you the their January 7th meeting, to welcome the New Year, by watching the YouTube video “Owing Our Faith” followed by a group discussion on how our sexuality has intersected with our Catholic Faith. Comunidad is the Los Angeles Diocese’s Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons (CMLGP). Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Our October Meeting: Movie - Stonewall Uprising
Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 7:00 p.m., St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Remembering the Stonewall riots as St. Matthew’s COMUNIDAD marks the 50th anniversary with a screening of “Stonewall Uprising.”
This film explores the events which launched a worldwide rights movement. First hand stories revisit a time when homosexual acts were illegal throughout America and homosexuality was seen as a mental illness. When police raided Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, gay men and women did something they had not done before - they fought back. The collective anger announced the gay rights movement had arrived.
Please join us and invite your family and friends. We will meet in Classroom 2. “Movie food” and drinks will be provided.
Our March Meeting - Shrove Tuesday Explained
Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Pancake Tuesday, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are the various titles used to describe the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Shrove is derived from the word shrive which means to go to or make confession and confess one's sins. This is a far cry from the carnival—like celebration that is usually associated with the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Confusing. Yes.
Join us for our March 5 meeting as Comunidad will shed light on the meaning and purpose of Shrove Tuesday. Light refreshment will be served.
Our January Meeting: Pope Francis ‑ A Man of His Word
Tuesday, January 8, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Note the date change: Since the first Tuesday falls on New Years Day. our meeting has been moved to Tuesday January 8.
On January 8 Comunidad is proud to screen the documentary, Pope Francis – a Man of His Word
German director, Wim Wenders, was granted unprecedented access to interview Pope Francis. The result was the documentary, Pope Francis ‑ A Man of His Word. Justin Chang, film critic for the Los Angeles Times writes: Wenders “films the pope in close-up, allowing the viewer to bask at length in the beatific warmth of his smile and his infectious, magnetic way with language. As the director notes in his own recurring voice-over, ‘Pope Francis has no weapons other than words.’ But what words! His rhetoric can be compassionate and humorous, fiery and bracingly down‑to‑earth. He extols the dignity of work, denounces a culture obsessed with material wealth and calls the global hunger epidemic ‘a scandal.” Read Justin Chang's complete review.
Light refreshments will be served. Please joins us to view this inspiring documentary. All are welcome.
Our March Meeting: Mary and the Passion
Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
On Tuesday, March 6th for our Lenten program we will gather in the Church at 7:00 pm where the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary will be conjoined. We will concentrate on the five Stations which focus on Mary’s interactions with her son. Participants are encouraged to bring their Rosaries. We will also have some available.
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. On Ash Wednesday we are called to “Repent and be faithful to the Gospel.” We look at what we need to change in our lives to help us get closer to God and to live more fully who God calls us to be. We are called to “Rend our hearts and not our garments” – to be true disciples.
As Catholics we see Mary as not only Jesus’ Mother, but as our spiritual mother as well. In our spiritual tradition as in life we often turn to our mothers for encouragement, consolation and support in times of need. Many of us often turn to Mary for strength, guidance and support. Our Mother Mary has a unique place in our Catholic faith as the faithful servant of God’s Plan, handmaiden of God and the first disciple. She also has a special place in the Way of the Cross. Please join us for a program of prayer and discussion.
After the program we will proceed to Father Gerald Meisel Parish Hall for a simple soup supper. All are welcome.
Our January Meeting: A Eucharistic Meal
Tuesday, Januray 2, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
This year and every year Comunidad begins the new year with a Eucharistic Meal. Our spiritual director, Fr. Bill McLean, will celebrate the Mass. Please join us on January 2 as Comunidad celebrates the Eucharistic Meal.
The Gospel reading for January 2 depicts the Pharisees interrogating John the Baptist: “ Who are you?” John knew who he was and what his role was: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord.” John’s role was to give testimony to the Christ. As LGBT persons we should ask ourselves: who are we, how do we give testimony to the Christ. By our baptism we receive the seal of Christ. However, we live in a world of sin. Have we ceased giving testimony to Christ, to our children, to our families, to the world? Have we become vectors of sin? The Church offers to us the sacraments to steer us along the right path.
Our October Meeting: Movie - Anyone and Everyone
Tuesday, October 3, 7:00 p.m., Class Room #2, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
On Tuesday October 3 Comunidad will feature the 2007 documentary Anyone and Everyone. Coming out is often fraught with problems for both the person coming out and the parents. Anyone and Everyone depicts families connected by having a son or daughter who is gay. Individuals from such diverse backgrounds as Japanese, Bolivian, and Cherokee, as well as from various religious denominations such as Mormon, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Hindu, and Southern Baptist, share intimate accounts of how their children revealed their sexual orientation and discuss their responses. The parents also talk about struggling with the pain of their sons and daughters dealing with not being accepted by relatives or friends, and being ostracized by religious congregations (IMDB.com).
Light refreshments will be served. Please join us for this unique look at the coming out process. All are welcome.
Our April Meeting: Seven Last Words of Jesus
Jesus dies on the cross by Jessica Miller Kelley
Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
On Tuesday, April 4th, our Lenten journey continues. Please join us as we examine ”The Last Words of Jesus“ through reading, meditation, prayer, reflection and sharing. While theses seven last statements of Jesus on the cross do not appear in any one Gospel account, together they explore the universal themes of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph and reunion.
So that we can explore various translations, participants are invited to bring their favorite New Testament translations in print or via their smart phones. Light refreshments will be served.
Our February Meeting: Special Screening of the Documentary, Inspired - Voices against Prop 8.
Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Comunidad is proud to screen Inspired, The Voices against Prop. 8. INSPIRED is a documentary film chronicling several people's lives in the wake of the passage of Prop 8. Arresting live footage follows average people from all walks of life, inspired to action in ways they never dreamed. Experience the passionate rallies and defiant marches of the new gay rights movement as it swept through Southern California. Intimate interviews reveal all the ways the movement comes together, and the subtle and not-so-subtle ways it can be pulled apart from within. INSPIRED: THE VOICES AGAINST PROP 8 goes behind the headlines and propaganda to explore the real people who make up a movement. The producer of Inspired, Charlie Gage, will be present to answer your questions.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Our January Meeting: Comunidad Prays a Special Mass of Trust in the God's Love.
Tuesday, January 3, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
The prophet Isaiah reassured the Israelites that God would always be with them: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
As Isaiah reassured the Israelites of God's uncompromising love, in these uncertain times we need a reminder that God is with us. Comunidad will begin the new year with our chaplain Fr. Bill McLean celebrating a dialogue Mass focusing on the topic of Trust in God's Love.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Our October Meeting: Remembering Matthew Shepard by screening the video October Mourning - A Song for Matthew Shepard
Tuesday, October 4th, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
October 6, 1998 is a date which still resonates with the Gay community. It was the date that Matthew Shepard, a gay, twenty-one-year college student was savagely beaten, tied to a remote fence and left to die. The account of his torture was oft depicted in the arts, mostly notably in the play The Laramie Project . For our October meeting, Comunidad will pay tribute to Matthew by presenting the video October Mourning-A Song for Matthew Shepard. October Morning was initially performed on October 17, 2012 at the First Congregational Church Long Beach. The book and lyrics was written by Lesléa Newman and the music was composed by Curtis Heard. A brief excerpt of this moving performance can be found by Clicking Here. Please join us.
Our October Meeting: Celebrating National Coming Out Day with a screening of the film Pride
Pride directed by Matthew Warchus, screenplay by Stephen Beresford, and staring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, and Paddy Considine, was nominated, among many other awards, for the Golden Globe (Holywood Foreign Press Assn.) best picture of the year, and it won many others, incl. Best British Independent Film of the year (British Independent Film Awards) and LGBTQ Film of the Year (Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association).
Tuesday, October 6th, 7:00 p.m. sharp!, Fr. Gerald Meisel Hall, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
A reminder that our October meeting is tonight. We’ll be screening Pride, Matthew Warchus’ debut film of last year that turned heads and delighted audiences everywhere. Its subject is the inspiring, surprising, and true story of Thatcher-era LGBT advocates from London who took up the cause of out-of-work miners from Wales and improved the lot of both groups in the process. If you’ve never seen the film, please come, for you’ll be glad you did. It’s a terrific film. If you’ve already seen it, you’ll no doubt want to see it again. The film runs just under two hours, so we’ll be starting tonight’s meeting right on time at 7:00 p.m. Doors will be open a few minutes early and, as we do at each of our monthly gatherings, complimentary light food and drinks will be served.
Our October Meeting: Exploring Franciscan Spirituality with Fr. William “Rusty” Shaughnessy, ofm
Tuesday, October 7th, 7:00 p.m., Fr. Gerald Meisel Parish Hall at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 672 Temple Ave., Long Beach
Detail from stained glass window at Demindere Franciscus Museum in Sint-Truiden, Belgium
This October we’re partnering with the parish’s Faith Formation committee to host an evening of learning and understanding about Franciscan spirituality. It’s one of three events that the parish is holding this fall to explore this important, rich, and ancient tradition within Catholic life.
It’s hard to underestimate the profound effect that St Francis has had on the Church. His vision of a more harmonious and Christ-like life has contrasted, sometimes wildly, with other spiritual philosophies. And, yet, the Church continues to come back again and again to Francis’s writings and teachings and be inspired by Francis’s example (witness the Holy Father today) and the Franciscan Order continues to serve as an attractive, viable, and meaningful way of living in community with others. Born in 1181 or 1182, Francis did not show any serious interest in ministry until about 1208, when he was 25 years old, and he died a short 20 years later. Nevertheless, so remarkable, widespread, and positive was his re-imagining of what lived Christianity could be, which he and the Order he founded carried out, that Gregory IX canonized him, in 1228, only two years after his death. Indeed, it’s not far reaching to say that Francis’s teachings and example revolutionized the Church in his own day. But for those of us living in the twenty-first century, just what is “Franciscan Spirituality,” and how does it contrast and compare with other popular and still-present Catholic traditions such as Benedictine, Jesuit, and Dominican prayer, service, and devotional practices? And how can lay persons implement various features of Franciscan spirituality into their own lives?
That is in part, the topic of our program. And we are blessed to have as our speaker Fr. William “Rusty” Shaughnessy, ofm—a Fransciscan friar—of Ss. Simon and Jude parish in Huntington Beach.
Please join us for what will surely be an interesting and informative presentation. As is Comunidad’s custom, drinks and light food will be available.
A Note about parking for those that have never been to Saint Matthew Church: There are three entrances to the parking lot, one off Temple Ave. (to the right of the rectory/parish office building, which is just to the right of the church building), and two others off Theresa St (which parallels 7th St.).
