The Gay Catholic Ministry of Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church announces its second annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Service and Memorial Ribbon Project.
The Candlelight Service will take place on World AIDS Day, Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 PM in St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 116 Sixth Avenue, between Park and Sterling Places in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
The Memorial Ribbon Project is ongoing (November 17 through December 1.).
The campaign call for World AIDS Day is “I am.” Why “I am? “ “I am” can mean, “I live.” “I am” suggests a challenge to understand HIV and AIDS from a human rights perspective. “I am” is personal, not abstract: I am accepted. I am safe. I am getting treatment. I am living. I am living well. When Moses asks the God of Exodus 3:12 “Who are you?” the voice answers, “I am.” “I am” reminds us that the divine lives within all who live with HIV and AIDS.
Over 33 million persons in the world are living with AIDS. Approximately two million are children. More than two million have died since 2007. World AIDS Day 2009 calls on us all to continue to hold individuals, religious leaders, faith organizations, international and national governments and agencies accountable for the commitments they have made to fight HIV and AIDS.
Ann Citarella, Sister of Charity, one of the founders of the Gay and Lesbian Catholic Ministry at St. Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan, and Reverend Doctor Daniel Meeter, pastor of Old First Reformed Church in Brooklyn will speak.
The exuberant and inspiring NYC OUTLOUD, a group of choral musicians dedicated to promoting tolerance and acceptance of GLBT and all people through song, will perform under the direction of Brian S. Hunt..
An exhibition of paintings called “Preparation Series,” by the artist and educator Maureen Mullen who teaches art at Friends Seminary in Manhattan, will be on display in the church on World AIDS Day. “Preparation Series” chronicles the artist’s experience supporting someone beloved to her as he made the journey through AIDS. In 1999 the first World AIDS Day Without Art took place.
The church's annual Ribbon Project will take place mid-November through World AIDS Day 2007. It is our hope that the red ribbons bearing the names of loved ones who have died of AIDS which line the iron fence surrounding Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church, will serve as a stark and reverent reminder of the continued need to improve AIDS/HIV education, support all who live with HIV and AIDS as we press for a cure. We invite all who wish to take part to submit names of loved ones who have died of AIDS. This can be done via email (staugustinegay@gmail.com), postal mail, or by hand-delivering names to the mail slot at the church rectory at 116 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn. (Please mark envelopes: “Ribbon Project”).
The names inscribed on the ribbons will be read aloud as part of the prayer service.
A reception will follow the service.
For further information call St. Augustine Church (718 783 3132), write to staugustinegay@gmail.com, www.brooklyngaycatholics.blogspot.com or visit Facebook Page “World AIDS Day St. Augustine”)