INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) – Roncalli High School is announcing a new 'Encourage' program aimed at the LGBT community.
The announcement came in Roncalli's weekly newsletter.
The program, called Encourage, is meant to promote a positive and safe environment for students who are part of the LGBT community and those "questioning their sexual identity."
The announcement said:
"Roncalli High School is excited to offer a new program, Encourage, that promotes a positive environment and safe space for students who experience same-sex attractions and those questioning their sexual identity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that people with same-sex attractions “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” (CCC 2358). Using Jesus Christ as our model and the teachings of the Church as our foundation, this group strives to accompany students as they seek “to fulfill God’s will in their lives” (CCC 2358). Meetings in this group involve service projects, team building, brain-breaks, guest speakers, and affirmation activities. This group will meet once a month during the school year and be led by the Assistant Principal for Student Life, Kevin Banich. He will work with and seek guidance from the Chaplain of Roncalli, a teacher from the Theology Department and a member from the Guidance Department."
The program comes three months after Roncalli guidance counselor Shelly Fitzgerald was placed on paid leave after the Catholic school found out about Fitzgerald's same-sex marriage.
Fitzgerald shared her story nationally on The Ellen Show after the school said she violated her contract by being married to another woman. Fitzgerald said the school gave her the option to either dissolve her marriage or resign.
Eyewitness News has reached out to Roncalli for a statement but has not heard back.