Amazing parent activists honored
About 100 people gathered in Rochester over the weekend to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fortunate Families and the retirement of its founders, Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata. Many others joined in spirit, sending memories and good wishes to the Lopatas in letters, video messages and photos. The event was hosted by Casey and Mary Ellen's son, Jim, which gave the evening a special feel, especially since he has been the inspiration of much of their work for families.
Fortunate Families is a network of Catholic parents of LGBT children. Mary Ellen has been known to remind people that when a child comes out of the closet, a parent often enters one, and needs support as they process the complicated feelings and come to accept and celebrate this new information. The resources, retreats and Listening Parents network of Fortunate Families provide that support.
As part of the Equally Blessed Coalition, Fortunate Families is also a network for parents who want to get involved in activism for LGBT rights. The executive directors of the Equally Blessed partners, Jim FitzGerald of Call To Action, Marianne Duddy-Burke of DignityUSA and Frank DeBernardo of NewWays Ministry, were all in Rochester to celebrate and spoke of the Lopatas' impact on the movement. "The scope of their amazing work will take years to fully understand," said Jim. "Casey and Mary Ellen's spirit of unconditional love reflected the love of God to thousands of families across the country." Marianne cited their vision of putting families at the forefront of the LGBT equality movement and Frank admitted their ministry irritated many in the hierarchy in a way serves as a constant call for all of us to be like mosquitos when working for LGBT justice in the church.
Using the pen that Governor Cuomo used to sign marriage equality into law, Assemblyman Bronson, who co-sponsored the marriage bill, presented a resolution honoring the incredible work of Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata which has benefited so many individuals across New York State, throughout the United States, and beyond.
