Media Church Welcomes Gays

Murmurs have been heard throughout the local Philadelphia Archdiocese after St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Parish Pastor Joseph Augustine Menna decided it was time to serve openly LGBT parishioners in what’s essentially a move in direct opposition to current church doctrine.

Founded by the Augustines of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this small church in Media, Pa., which currently rents out space from the Unitarian Church of Delaware County, according to a recent news story, jumped ship after a papal declaration two years ago that defined homosexuality as “a deviation, an irregularity (and) a wound.”

After welcoming gays and lesbians to the parish, the congregation has been holding regular services (including Sunday mass at 6 p.m.) at its home on Rose Tree Road, as well as evening services in locations throughout University City and Center City.

Courtesy of St. Mary's

According to the church’s own description, the goal of the new congregation is “to welcome, share, and include in our lives all who seek God regardless of social status, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or political affiliation.” The congregation’s website also espouses a desire to uphold Augustinian values and the Nicene Creed, a profession of faith widely used in Catholic clergies around the world.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, St. Mary of Grace parish is going bowling at Sproul Lanes to raise money and meet new friends. Guests are invited to join the Bowl-o-Rama starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church before traveling to the bowling alley just a few minutes away.