Sunday Mass
St Margaret's Church
Join Dignity Washington
every Sunday at 6pm
for Mass at
St Margaret's Episcopal Church
1820 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
(Google Map)
Our Mass is also livestreamed on Facebook every Sunday./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15786728/facebook-video.0.1462601647.jpg)
Dignity/Washington Book Club – History of Books Read
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Heather Mizeur Speaks at D/W Liturgy
Last Sunday (June 9, 2013), Maryland State Delegate (D-Montgomery County) Heather Mizeur gave a powerful homily at our regular Sunday evening Mass as Washington celebrated Pride.
From left to right: Dan Barutta, Dignity/Washington President, Maryland State Delegate, Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County), Jake Hudson, Dignity/Washington Board member, and Chris Hinkle, Dignity/Washington Liturgy Committee member and out-going Chair
Dignity/Washington Announcement of Heather Mizeur as June 9th Guest Homilist
On Sunday, June 9th, Washington’s “Capital Pride” Day, Dignity/Washington is pleased and proud to announce a very special guest homilist for our 6:00 PM Sunday Mass – Maryland State Delegate Heather Mizeur. Delegate Mizeur, who is Catholic and one of Maryland’s eight openly gay legislators, represents Takoma Park and Silver Spring in the Maryland General Assembly. Mizeur has been a visible leader in efforts to secure marriage equality and other protections for LGBT families, culminating in 2012’s successful campaign to have marriage equality legislation passed and signed into law in Maryland.
Maryland Delegate Heather Mizeur (Washington Blade Photo / Michael Key)
Dignity/Washington, the LGBT Catholic organization serving the nation’s capital, holds its weekly Sunday evening Mass at St. Margaret’s Church, which is located at 1820 Connecticut Avenue, NW (in the Dupont Circle neighborhood). All are cordially invited and welcome to join the members of our congregation for our 6:00 PM Pride Day Mass on June 9th, and hear what we know will be Delegate Mizeur’s very positive message to the DC area’s LGBT Catholic community.
See the Facebook Event for more information.
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Another Presider Bids Farewell To Dignity/Washington
Sunday, May 12, 2013 Dignity/Washington bid a fond farewell to Father Tim MacGeorge as he presided over his last Mass with the community before moving to Florida at the end of May 2013. Arriving from Boston twenty years ago, he had served D/W through his thoughtful homilies, his spiritually insightful blogs, his frequent participation in the communal anointings of the sick, his group facilitation of several workshops over the years, most recently on dealing with bereavement and the suicide of loved ones, and the application of his technical skills to regular updates of D/W social media. All wish him grace and peace as he transitions to a new chapter in his life.
Fr.Tim MacGeorge at the last Mass over which he presided for Dignity/Washington on May 12, 2013.
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Second Annual Baccalaureate Mass Held At Dignity/Washington
The May 12th (2013) Sunday Mass at Dignity/Washington celebrated the happy conjunction of the Ascension of Our Lord, Mother’s Day and a Baccalaureate Mass for those young adults nearing the end of their academic year. Advance notice to the community had been given for all to come wearing their school colors and/or emblems and many did. A special blessing was imparted to all students at the end of the liturgy for their continued advancement in knowledge, as well as rewarding experiences and/or work in the months and years ahead.
Some of the students who attended the Dignity/Washington Baccalaureate Mass on May 12 were: Mallory Hytrek, Anthony O’Tapi, Alex Martone, Ruthie Shipps, Father Tim MacGeorge who presided, and Kenneth Dowling who served on the organizing committee.
Country Western Spring Fling Has Dignity/Washington Stomping
The Dignity/Washington community was treated to a superb evening through the generous efforts and hospitality of member Mike Malik at his home near Logan Circle on Saturday, April 20. The neighborhood resounded with the music of Country Western instructor and DJ Mary Anne who lead the diverse crowd of young and older, beginning and advanced, dancers in the Texas Two-Step and Country Western line dances. 
Everyone kicked up their heels, had fun and enjoyed meeting new friends well into the night. Drink and refreshments were also provided by Mike Malik to the grateful party-ers. The lessons of DJ Mary Anne were given in a spirit of fun with ample gentle humorous persuasion, much appreciated by even the most timid to get onto the dance floor.
by Henry Huot, Dignity/Washington Board Member
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Farewell Mass for Dignity/Washington Presider/Member
Sunday, April 14, 2013 Father Joseph Palacios was presider and homilist at a Farewell Mass with Dignity/Washington held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Many of his friends and associates in his multi-faceted ministry to the DC area LGBT community participated and extended their well wishes, including those from Georgetown University, and Catholics For Equality which he helped to found.
Fr Joseph Palacios (c) with Stephen Utley (l) and husband Michael Holtz (r), at his farewell Mass with Dignity/Washington. Joe officiated at their wedding.
Joe will assume a new ministry with the Spiritual Care Department of Clinical Services at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California (just outside of Palm Springs) later this spring, primarily running groups, doing individual assessments, lectures, and strategic planning regarding US Latinos and Latin Americans. “The job integrates much of my past,” writes Joe, “and provides some great opportunities for research and innovative thinking regarding addiction and recovery.” The Mass was followed by a special social in the parish hall. Godspeed, Joe, and best wishes. You will be sorely missed.
by Henry Huot, Dignity/Washington Board member
Dignity/Washington Presence at US Supreme Court Rallies
Several members of Dignity/Washington had the honor to be present at the very large demonstrations (by Supreme Court case standards) in support of same sex marriage rights at the U. S. Supreme Court on the 26th and 27th of March. Notable aspects of the events was the broad range of ages from early 20s students and interns to individuals in their 60s and 70s and the very positive vibe among the attendees. 
That it was a pleasant crisp spring day did not hurt the mood. Security was heavy, but friendly and there were no physical clashes among different groups. Given the tight space between the Supreme Court Plaza and the street, general speakers are not allowed by current regulations in the area so crowds consist only of people with signs. Marches are allowed on the street, but cannot stop in the area.
On March 26 the Court was slated to hear arguments in the California Prop 8 case. The day began with an Interfaith Service held at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation located just a few blocks from the Supreme Court building. Called “A Prayer for Love & Justice” members of all faiths attended in the spirit of love, hope and equality. Several Dignity/Washington members participated, including Allen Rose, Dan Barutta, Eddie Weingart, Sr. Jeannine Gramick, Fr. Joseph Palacios and Fr. Tim MacGeorge among many others.
Prayer Service prior to march to the US Supreme Court at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill
The service concluded with a march to the Supreme Court building where worshipers joined around 2,000 very positive LGBT individuals and allies with many creative, hand-made signs. At 10:00 there was a parade along the street in front of the Supreme Court building of around 1,000 opponents of marriage equality, most of whom had been bused down from New York City carrying printed signs. The two groups largely ignored each other. Once the parade was over, the LGBT presence continued until noon.
On the 27th the Justices heard arguments to determine if the Defense of Marriage Act was constitutional. There was a somewhat smaller but equally enthusiastic LGBT crowd of around 1,000, and very few individuals in support of the restrictive law. The crowd remained for a few hours until after the case was heard and the attorneys/proponents for each side addressed the press and crowd.
Decisions on the cases are anticipated to occur in June.
by Tom Bower, Dignity/Washington Board member
A Grand Feast In Honor of Saint Joseph
The origin of Saint Joseph’s Day as an Italian festival is simple yet a testimony to an ancient and abiding devotion. According to legend, there was a severe drought in Sicily around 1268 and the people prayed to St. Joseph, their patron saint, to bring them rain.They promised that they would prepare a large banquet feast to honor him, if he answered their prayers.
St. Joseph Dinner dessert buffet with Italian pastries and fruit.
The rain did come, and the Sicilians made good on their promise, continuing the festival ever since. The fava bean was the crop that saved the population from starvation and is a traditional part of St. Joseph’s Day altars and traditions. Giving food to the needy is also a St. Joseph’s Day custom.
Again this year Dignity/Washington held its observance of St. Joseph Day with a grand Italian banquet held on Saturday, March 9 at the All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church Hall in Northwest DC for a crowd of nearly 85 guests who paid $30 a ticket. Net proceeds were $1,500 from ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle, including $410 from a newly-featured live and silent auction.
St. Joseph Altar
The altar tradition plays a major role in the veneration of St. Joseph and is the focus of the novena (nine days of prayer) before the actual feast day. Dignity/Washington’s altar was decorated with statues and icons, candles, religious medals, rosaries, prayer cards, fava beans and loaves of bread.
A religious ceremony was again part of the evening, led by Father Mickey Martinez, with a procession of national flags, icons and, of course, the statue of St. Joseph; with congregational hymns; a Gospel reading from the life of St. Joseph; and a blessing of the meal. Helping to set the mood was a montage of film clips with music backdrop entitled The Kiss (more or less), arranged and presented by member Tom Yates, highlighting famous kiss scenes from gay and lesbian themed movies.
Everyone was delighted by a wonderful array of entrées and sides which included garlic crusted pork loin, puttanesca with chick sausages, vegetarian lasagna, and a vegetable medley (asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, diced red onions) sautéed in olive oil and garlic; all prepared from scratch by the volunteer cooks, headed by member Len Latham. Patrons were left to choose from the special dessert buffet of traditional zeppele di San Giuseppe, mini canoli, chocolate éclairs, assorted cakes, fresh fruit and cassata. The pastries were purchased from Piedigrotta Bakery of Baltimore and Catania Bakery and A. Litteri, Inc., both of DC.
Some of the silent auction items at the St. Joseph Day Dinner.
Member Niko led the production of the actual meal and religious ceremony, assisted by member Peter who was responsible for logistical arrangement and finances. Other key workers for the event were: Dan Hayes, Patrick Wojahn, Dave Kolesar, Rick Lynch, Mark Hibschman, Manny Tortosa, Dave Vespa, Larry Ranly, Kenneth Dowling, Mike Travers, Mark Hibschman and Larry Huntington. Many more helped behind the scenes and their contributions were very much appreciated.
Each year the evening is dedicated to the memory of special individuals who have contributed to the Dignity/Washington community. This year’s memorial dedication was to two special parents, Veronica and Jerry Colfer, in recognition of Veronica’s death since last year’s dinner.
by Henry Huot, Dignity/Washington Board member
Dignity/Washington Board Gathers For A Retreat and Planning
The Dignity/Washington Board along with several community members participated in a weekend retreat and planning session held February 15 to 17 at the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. 
Formerly of the Center and currently the Pastoral Associate to the Vicar Bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore in the Seton Vicariate, Dr. Tom Little led the group in a series of reflections entitled Sustaining Our Leading With Holiness and Heart, focused on the challenge of several Catholic saints, including Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila and Dorothy Day, whose Church renewal efforts in their day continue to be instructive for the mission of Dignity today. Each session sought to elicit from each member and the group as a whole practical strategies for renewed commitment and engagement to serve the Dignity/Washington community and reach out to the wider lgbt community. Several members of the Young Adult group presented their vision for improving the community’s media outreach, especially through new forms of Facebook advertising and upgrades of our website, and planning community events for the coming year. Sunday morning’s session, The Gathering of Graces, sought to capture the new insights gained through this time together, most prominently how much vitality and energy there exist in our community for the work that lies ahead.
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- Stained Glass Window of the Founding of the Order of the Sisters of Bon Secours, Paris, 1824
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- Winter Serenity and Beauty of the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, Marriottsville, Maryland
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- Closing Mass of the Dignity Board Retreat, Father Ron Moses Camarda, author of Tear in the Desert, presider and homilist
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- Down Time (L to R: Ray Panas, Mike Marinelli, David Vespa, Allen Rose, Larry Ranly and Henry Huot)
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- Dan Barutta, Dignity/Washington president, addressing the retreatants during the February 15-17, 2013 Dignity/Washington Board Retreat. Dr. Tom Little, retreat/conference leader looks on.
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- Jonathan Noriega Making A Point During A Retreat Session (L to R: Larry Ranly, Mark Clark, Jonathan, Kenneth Dowling, Ray Panas and Maurice LaPierre)
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- Peace Garden at the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center
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- Praying and Reflecting Through Scripture and Icons of the Saints
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- Retreat Theme and Facilitator
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- A Planning Session During the Dignity/Washington Retreat; from L to R: Kenneth Dowling, Ray Panas, Maurice LaPierre, Bob Waterman, Mark Hibschman, Allen Rose, David Barutta and Dr. Tom Little.
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- A Planning session During the Dignity/Washington Retreat (L to R: Alexander Martone, Tom Bower, Dave Vespa, Tom Yates, Bob Miailovich, Mike Marinelli, Larry Ranly, Mark Clark and Jonathan Noriega0
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- L to R: Bob Waterman, Dan Barutta, Allen Rose and Tom Yates
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- A Little Time for “Hearts” During the Work of the Retreat (L to R: Maurice LaPierre, Dan Barutta, Bob Waterman and Bob Miailovich; and, in the background, David Vespa)
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- Across the Road from the Bon Secours Center, Marriottsville, Maryland
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- Dignity/Washington Board Retreat, February 15-17, 2013, Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, Marriottsville, Maryland (L to R: Henry Huot, Tom Little, Maurice LaPierre, Mike Marinelli, Tom Yates, Kenneth Dowling, Tom Bower, Alexander Martone, Ray Panas, Allen Rose, Jonathan Noriega, Mark Clark, Larry Ranly, David Vespa, Bob Miailovich, Mark Hibschman, Bob Waterman, and Dan Barutta)