For Information about the upcoming conference
    "Welcome Gay Catholics to the Church: Challenges and Opportunities"
                                 on Saturday, April 10, 2010, click here.

Mission Statement
The Open Hearts Ministry provides educational experiences to build greater visibility and understanding of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) experience within our church community, and develop faith-building outreach programming to the diverse spectrum of the GLBT community.

 As a Catholic parish committed to social justice, Open Hearts Ministry of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministries will actively provide and promote faith opportunities that build community, for those who have experienced spiritual disconnection.

Sunday Socials/Fellowship Gatherings
Throughout the year various events gathers us together to enjoy one another friendship and support.  Our monthly social is held in the Franciscan Community Center for Urban Ministry.  We welcome not only you ideas for social gatherings but your help in planning them.
          Sunday, March 14, 2010 (Speaker on scripture and homosexuality)
          Sunday, April 11, 2010

This is a time to build fellowship and friendship.  Food and refreshments are served.  All gatherings take place at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT.  All begin at 6:00 pm.

Picnics

        Sunday, June 13, 2010

This is a time to build fellowship and friendship.  Food and refreshments are served.  All gatherings take place at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT.  All begin at 6:00 pm.

Retreats
During the year retreats both seasonal and responding to the needs of the community, along with evenings of reflection and other spiritual events are scheduled as nourishment on our spiritual journey.  We also join in prayer and celebration with the larger faith community united in our commitment to be a people of faith.  We welcome your suggestions and help.

Place and time of the overnight retreat to be announced later.

        -Full day retreat Saturday, May 8, 2010

The full day retreat to meet at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT.  Time to be announced later.

Regional Caucus/Meeting 
Full day networking/informational/experiential meeting of Catholic and other Christian denomination churches, to discuss how meeting the needs of diverse populations of people in today’s society, including GLBT people, how including, embracing, celebrating the gifts each person brings to the church community.  Churches with active GLBT ministries and other ministries that reach out to oppressed/outcast groups in larger church institution, have opportunity to share details of their programming, formation of ministries, purpose of ministries, etc...  Parishes gathered will have opportunity to learn from one another, representatives/pastors and parishioners to speak/share experiences with these ministries.  Also may show film at this time.  Invite local bishops and church officials to attend.

        Saturday, April 10th, 2010

The regional meeting to meet at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT.  Time to be announced later.

Small Christian Community

Other

Possible further showing of films/discussion on ongoing basis