Anna is the vision-caster for Eden Invitation; her goal is to keep the mission, community, and all who encounter us oriented towards the horizon line of Heaven. She co-founded Eden Invitation to seek a just pastoral response for those with same-sex desires, gender discordances, and other LGBTQ+ experiences, as well as give light to what a “yes” to the Church’s teachings can look like. Anna has been recognized for her passion for catechesis and evangelization through awards from Franciscan University of Steubenville, NET Ministries, and the Given Forum.
"On the Porch" with Anna
We’re more than what we do or what we’ve done– we’re unrepeatable people with unique stories to tell.
So if you have a moment, pull up a chair on our metaphorical porch here and get to know us a bit more!
How have you seen God moving in your life?
God tends to bring life most in places I thought were barren. That happens in my day-to-day life, and I think it’s part of the spirit in which I co-founded Eden Invitation.
Who has inspired you on this Journey to Heaven? Patron Saints, role models, cool authors?
I like the bold lady saints–St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Joan of Arc, St. Edith Stein, St. Clare of Assisi–women who were deeply faithful, but served the Church in new and unexpected ways in their times.
What’s a beautiful part of your job? Perhaps something that people may not see from the surface level of your job description? How can people be praying for you and your work?
I have the honor of participating in people’s major life events; I’ve been asked to read at Eden Invitation member weddings, I’ve attended the funerals of their relatives…EI is so much more than a set of programs. It’s a band of pilgrims, and you can see that so poignantly when people gather together in times of deep celebration or deep grief.
Can you show us a glimpse of your experience in this mission, like videos, links, interviews, etc?
Blessed & Broken: Sex, Gender, & a Sacramental Worldview | National Eucharistic Congress
Let's All Be Chaste Lovers! | Blog
Anna's Story | Testimonial Video
How can people be praying for you and your work?
My speaking and writing tend towards the personal. It’s rarely easy being publicly vulnerable! Pray that I can keep being discerning and faithful to the particulars of God’s calling in that, and for spiritual protection.
Porch Events are opportunities for people to get to know our community better. If we did a Potluck for a Porch Event, what are you bringing?
I’m the person bringing a pack of a seasonally apropos beer.
Book Clubs are centered on walking together as striving Disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, usually reading a spiritual classic or Eden Invitation blogs. BUT if you could do a Book Club with Eden Invitation people, on ANY book, which book would you choose?
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
We love seeing the beloved and unrepeatable talents of our Community and Pastoral Team during our Retreat TalenTED show! What would you do for TalenTED?
A presentation on the character arc of Jedi Ahsoka Tano as a paradigm for maturing discipleship.
If you could go on a Community Weekend, a kind of “family vacation” with your Hearth Group, to ANYWHERE in the world, where would you want to go?
A beach house on the northern Pacific coast.
It’s time for Toasts! When we raise a glass to celebrate God’s Graces in our lives, what bevvy are you lifting up?
Whiskey Neat (or, if the toasts will go on for a long time…probably water with fresh lime and a sprinkle of sea salt).
What’s your favorite piece of EI gear?
I love our Into the Longing Shirt!
We love building playlists for each year’s Retreat theme– what are some top songs on your playlists?
“In Your Midst” by Allie Page
“Blood & Tears” by Joseph (live version)
“Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron
Any score by Ramin Djawadi, according to Spotify Wrapped
“Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic