LAKEVIEW — The Archbishop of Chicago is scheduled to lead Sunday Mass in Lakeview this weekend to help an LGBTQ+ Catholic group celebrate 35 years of service.
The Mass, organized by LGBTQ+ Catholic group AGLO Chicago, will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 708 W. Belmont Ave. at 7 p.m. followed by a reception at the parish’s Casey Hall. The reception will be from 8:15-9:30 p.m.
Cardinal Blase Cupich will lead the Mass to mark 35 years of AGLO Chicago’s ministry, according to a press release from the group.
AGLO — the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago ministry — formed in 1988. It was created with the help of former Cardinal Joseph Bernardin who wanted to keep LGBTQ+ Catholics connected to the church despite opposition from other Catholic leaders.
“The Mass will be no different than a typical Catholic Mass,” Angelina Rossi, AGLO’s co-director, said in a statement. “What is special about it is that the Cardinal has offered to celebrate the Mass as the main celebrant to show his support of our community of faith.”
The Archdiocese of Chicago did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“We hope it won’t be his last,” Rossi said of Cupich’s Mass. “His office has always been very responsive to our requests.”
Rossi said the volunteer-led organization usually hosts an annual Mass to celebrate the “service [provided] to the community,” with larger celebrations scheduled for milestone years such as for their 10th and 20th anniversaries.
“During those years we have been blessed to have Cardinal Bernardin and Cardinal George celebrate Mass with us,” Rossi said.
Attendees can RSVP for the reception after the Mass here.
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