Imagine this Conversation
Mother: At least think about it. We could go together.
Father: I’m not interested.
Mother: We’ve got to try something.
Father: Why? Is that going to change him?
Mother: It could change us.
Father: Change us?! Going to some Church session is going to change us?!
Mother: It could help. Perhaps give us a better sense of what he’s going through.
Father: I know what he’s going through.—He’s gay. He’s living in a gay city. And he’s probably running around with a gay boyfriend.—That’s what he’s going through.
Mother: I think there’s more to him than that. And, whatever you’re feeling, there’s no need for bitterness. He’s our son. We’ve got to make more of an effort to understand him.
Father: So you think some Church group is going to make me feel better about having a gay son?—I don’t think that’s gonna’ happen. The problem is that you listen to that young priest too much. He fills your head with crazy ideas.
Mother: It’s not him I’m listening to.
Father: Then who is it?—the ladies group?! That coffee crowd after Mass?!
Mother: I don’t take my—our—family matters to them.
Father: Then who are you talking to?
Mother: The monsignor.
Father: The monsignor.
Mother: Yes. Him. He listens to me. He’s known us for years. He’s wise. And he’s a good man. You respect him.—I know you do. I’m listening to him. He told me there’s a few married couples who get together on occasion to talk and pray for their children.
Father: Their gay children?
Mother: Yes, their gay children. And their other children too. They talk. They support each other.
Father: And so ‘gay’ becomes ok.
Mother: I didn’t say that. They can talk about it. Get it out. That’s more than we do. It’s easier when you can talk about things.
Father: The monsignor knows about this group?
Mother: The monsignor suggested the group to me. He runs it. He listens. He said it’s helpful. It’s called Encourage. We could try it.
Father: And?
Mother: And what?
Father: If it doesn’t work?
Mother: Let’s just try it. Just, try it.
Father: Why do you need me to go?
Mother: I could go on my own, but I would rather go with you.
Father: They won’t like what I say.
Mother: Maybe they won’t. And maybe you won’t say anything they haven’t already heard.
Father: Woman, you are persistent.
[Conversations to be continued.]