
Microcertificate
Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry
6 Live-Sessions + Self-Paced Lessons
YOUR FACILITATOR
Dr. Ish Ruiz is an assistant professor of Latinx and Queer Decolonial Theology at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, and holds a PhD in Theology and Ethics from the Graduate Theological Union. A native from Puerto Rico and a queer Catholic theologian, his research interests explore the intersection between queer theology, Latinx theology, ecclesiology, sexual ethics, liberation, human rights, and Catholic education. He is the author of LGBTQ+ Educators in Catholic Schools: Synodality, Inclusivity, and Justice (Rowman and Littlefield), the editor of Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Institutions, and the author of numerous academic articles.THE DETAILS
Hosted by the PSR Collective
Dates: June 1st , 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th , 17th
Times: 4:00 - 5:00 PM PST
Format: 6 live sessions + self-paced lessons
Course: CLGS Catholic Ministry LGBTQ+ Ministry SU26
Registration Fee : $50 per participant (*No one will be turned away for lack of funds)
Imagine A More Just, Compassionate, And Hopeful Church With Radical Inclusion.
This CLGS Micro Certificate in Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Catholic LGBTQ+ ministry by weaving together Scripture, Tradition, theology, ethics, and pastoral practice. Rooted in the Church’s call to accompany all people, the program equips participants with a strong foundation in the history of Catholic teaching on gender and sexuality, the insights of contemporary queer and contextual theologies, and the principles of synodal discernment. Through these lenses, students gain the tools to understand how LGBTQ+ experiences reveal God’s presence and invite the Church into deeper fidelity to the Gospel.
Beyond theory, this Micro Certificate is designed to empower participants to create inclusive, life-giving pastoral spaces in their own communities. Each module connects theological reflection with practical strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ persons, celebrating queer joy, and fostering belonging within parish, school, and ministry settings. The program invites all ministers and the broader Catholic community to imagine what a more just, compassionate, and hopeful Church can look like when queer voices are honored and when pastoral care reflects the radical inclusion of Christ.
Live Session Schedule
June 1st , 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th , 17th | 4:00–5:00 PM PT
|
Session |
Date |
Focus |
|
Session 1 |
June 1st |
Orientation Day
|
|
Session 2 |
June 3rd |
Queer Catholic Ministry: Biblical Foundations
|
|
Session 3 |
June 8th |
History of Catholic Doctrine on Gender & Sexuality |
|
Session 4 |
June 10th |
Catholic Sexual Ethics: Future Trajectories
|
|
Session 5 |
June 15th |
Queer Theology
|
|
Session 6 |
June 17th |
Queer Catholic Pastoral Care
|
|
Final Due |
June 19th |
Final Project Due |
This course includes both live sessions and self-paced, video-based content along with downloadable resources accessible in the PSR Collective platform. The expectation is that the lesson content will be reviewed and studied prior to the scheduled live session discussion.
Certificate & Outcomes
Only those participants who attend all live sessions and complete all assignments will earn the Microcertificate in Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry.
Graduates leave with ability to:
- Evaluate various approaches to LGBTQ+ Ministry in the Church.
- Construct a vision for LGBTQ+ Catholic pastoral care applicable to their ministry settings.