Jon Garinn & Cliff Garinn

Dignity/Dallas announced this week that the organization has named its two longtime chaplains as co-pastors of the support organization for LGBT Catholics and their families.

The appointment of the Rev. Jon Garinn and the Rev. Cliff Garinn, partners who have both been ordained as Catholic priests, marks the first time in Dignity/Dallas’ 30-plus-year history that the organization has appointed ordained priests as pastors in charge of spiritual life, according to Dignity/Dallas President Victor Kralisz.

“We really aren’t changing anything but their titles,” Kralisz said. “The title of pastor is seen as more important, both within the community and to the outside community as well.

“This does give them some added responsibilities, but primarily we are doing this to really recognize and solidify their relationship with the Dignity community,” Kralisz said.

Jon Garinn was ordained a priest of the diocese of Belleville, Ill., on June 5, 1993, by the Most Rev. Daniel Ryan, bishop of Springfield, Ill.

He worked as an assistant pastor at several Illinois parishes before serving a five-year pastorate at churches in Salem and Kinmundy, Ill.

Cliff Garinn was ordained a priest of the diocese of Dallas on May 29, 1999, by the Most Rev. Charles V. Grahmann, bishop of Dallas. He worked as an assistant pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas.

Kralisz said the Garinns have been Dignity/Dallas’ chaplains since 2002. Their new roles as co-pastors will give them authority over non-financial matters relating to worship, faith formation, social justice, spiritual development and ecumenical relations, he said.

In a written statement released this week, Kralisz said, “Fathers Cliff and Jon have provided consistent pastoral ministry to Dignity/Dallas and have helped the organization achieve a deeper spirituality and richer liturgical experience. We’re confident that they will continue the work of the Spirit within this faithful group.”

The Garinns will assume their pastoral roles at a Rite of Installation preceding the Mass at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. A potluck supper will follow the Eucharistic celebration.

Dignity/Dallas celebrates Catholic Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Congregational Life Center chapel at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road. Services are open to all.