Show Notes


Episode 57. Faith & Flourishing in the LGBT+ Experience w/ Shannon Ochoa

Episode 57. Faith & Flourishing in the LGBT+ Experience w/ Shannon Ochoa

“Come see a man who told me everything I have done.
Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
~ John 4:29


Is there a place in the Church for people with an LGBT+ experience?
Does God have a joyful plan for people living with same-sex attraction?
How can Christians love all people and uphold the teachings of the Church?  
Pat Millea engages in a profound conversation with Shannon Ochoa, co-founder of Eden Invitation, and recurring guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte. The episode explores the intricate intersection of faith, sexuality, and mental health, focusing on how to nurture whole-person formation for LGBT+ individuals within the Catholic Church. Shannon shares her personal journey of reconciling her faith with her attractions and the challenges faced along the way, highlighting the importance of God's grace, community, and unconditional love. Join us for insightful reflections on Jesus' mercy, the heart of true discipleship, and practical ways to support celibate individuals and foster a sense of belonging and dignity for all. We invite you into this deeply relevant and heartfelt conversation.

Shannon Ochoa is the co-founder & vice president of Eden Invitation, where she directs programs, nurtures relationships, and develops community. Shannon graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Social Welfare and Gender & Women's Studies.  She has fallen for men and for women, but ultimately she fell for the beauty of Christ and His Church. Prior to founding Eden Invitation, Shannon worked in college campus ministry with The Evangelical Catholic and Brew City Catholic. If you're looking for her, try the shore of the nearest body of water. She’ll be in a hammock.

Show Notes

  • Learn more about Eden Invitation and their various Community opportunities

  • Jesus and the Woman at the Well: John 4:4ff

  • “He must increase, I must decrease.” ~ John 3:30

  • “They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.”

    • Matthew 23:4

  • “No one is so rich that they’re not poor in some way. No one is so poor that they have nothing to give.”

Challenge By Choice

Bearing the heavy burdens

  • What am I doing to help others in my life carry their heavy burdens?

  • How can I invite others to help carry my heavy burdens?

Reflection Questions

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?

  2. What experiences do you have with an LGBT+ experience or persons?

  3. What feelings surfaced in you during this conversation? What are those feelings telling you?

  4. How have you seen the Church and Christians respond well to LGBT+ persons? How have you feel Christians fail in their response?

  5. How can you better carry the burdens of others? How can you invite others to help carry your burdens?