Micro-Credential Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry

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.

YOUR FACILITATOR

Jonathon Murillo has served startups, universities, non-profits and faith communities as a strategist, facilitator, and creator. He is passionate about leadership formation and innovation resourced by theological imagination and leveraged for the flourishing of all. He received a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific Seminary and holds a B.A. in Communication from Vanguard University. His mission is to guide leaders into moments of epiphany and meaningful response.

YOUR FACILITATOR

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.

June 1st , 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th , 17th | 4:00–5:00 PM PT

Session	Date	Focus
Session 1	June 1st	Queer Catholic Ministry: Biblical Foundations
Session 2	June 3rd	History of Catholic Doctrine on Gender & Sexuality
Session 3	June 8th	Catholic Sexual Ethics: Future Trajectories
Session 4	June 10th	Queer Theology
Session 5	June 15th	Queer Catholic Pastoral Care
Session 6	June 17th

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.

Thursdays | March 19th – April 23rd, 2026 | 4:00–6:30 PM PT
Each week blends teaching, reflection, and small-group conversation. On-demand course content is completed between sessions.

Week 1 - March 19th
Introduction to Wisdom-Based Leadership - Program overview, framing, and personal "why."
Week 2 - March 26th
Know Yourself to Lead Yourself - Integrating assessments into a personal awareness map.
Week 3 - April 2nd
Contemplative Care - Practicing presence, discernment, and sustainable rhythms.
Week 4 - April 9th
Courageous Collaboration - Trust, tension, and frameworks for brave conversations.
Week 5 - April 16th
Creative Communication - Story, meetings, and communication patterns that embody wisdom.
Week 6 - April 23rd
Integration & Commissioning - Finalize your Wisdom-Based Leadership Field Guide and name next steps.

Thursdays | May 7th - June 11th, 2026 | 4:00–6:30 PM PT
Each week blends teaching, reflection, and small-group conversation. On-demand course content is completed between sessions.

Week 1 - May 7th
Introduction to Wisdom-Based Leadership - Program overview, framing, and personal "why."
Week 2 - May 14th
Know Yourself to Lead Yourself - Integrating assessments into a personal awareness map.
Week 3 - May 21st
Contemplative Care - Practicing presence, discernment, and sustainable rhythms.
Week 4 - May 28th
Courageous Collaboration - Trust, tension, and frameworks for brave conversations.
Week 5 - June 4th
Creative Communication - Story, meetings, and communication patterns that embody wisdom.
Week 6 - June 11th
Integration & Commissioning - Finalize your Wisdom-Based Leadership Field Guide and name next steps.

Between sessions, you’ll access the four on-demand video-based courses, guided reflection exercises, and downloadable worksheets through the PSR Collective platform.

Only those participants who attend all live sessions and complete all assignments will earn the Micro-Credential in Catholic LGBTQ+ Ministry.

Graduates leave with ability to:

- Apply basic Biblical, historical, ethical, theological, and pastoral concepts pertaining to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church.
- Evaluate various approaches to LGBTQ+ Ministry in the Church.
- Construct a vision for LGBTQ+ Catholic pastoral care applicable to their ministry settings.