Dignity/Chicago celebrates 50 years!

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner on May 14th and Liturgy on May 15th was a huge success!! 

On Saturday May 14th, 68 members and supporters gathered at the White Eagle in Niles, Illinois. It was a full evening of dining, dancing, sharing of stories and celebrating the work of Dignity Chicago these past 50 years. What a legacy we have built in our continuous stepping forward to answer the call to be the LGBTQIA Catholic voice. We reminisced on the courageous history leading us to this moment and spoke to the challenges we continue to face in today’s world. 

We were grateful to hear the inspirational words from Dignity/USA Executive Director Marianne Duddy Burke and to have greetings from DignityUSA President Meli Barber. Mike Hogan’s recounting of highlights from our history brought back many memories, as did the many tables filled with photobooks and slides. It was an evening we will long remember!

On Sunday May 15th, the celebration continued with our 5pm liturgy at BUMC. Guest musicians provided an “extra” musical touch. Meli Barber, Dignity USA president provided the homily. Our annual awards were announced. This year’s recipients were: Franciscan Outreach for the Jim Bussen award and Douglas Ferguson for the Spirit of Dignity award.

 The liturgy was followed by a social at BUMC where stories and sharing continued. Following the social, a group of 14 continued the evening of fun and sharing at a local restaurant. It was a great conclusion to an awesome weekend!