Shane Desautels

Shane Desautels

Catholic Church/
Metropolitan Community Church

This stole was a gift from my mother, Joan Gamache-Desautels, and given to me when I was ordained in the MCC. The names written on the back have passed on from this life. They are the friends and family of people who came through the doors of Resurrection MCC. In the late 90’s we began the tradition, on World AIDS Day, to write the names of those who had passed on. The stole then became a stole of remembrance for all those we loved who were no longer with us.

I was formerly in the Catholic Church and left in 1989. I was with a Catholic religious order, the Society of the Divine Word. I have no regrets from the time I spent in the Catholic Church, for it is where I first began my spiritual journey and it helped me become a more loving person. Leaving the Catholic faith was simply a move in my spiritual journey. I was an MCC pastor for over eight years and served as Associate Pastor and then Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. I left professional ministry in 2003. I no longer belong to or follow any religion, but see myself as a spiritual being who is connected to all living beings in a loving and caring relationship of mutual care and respect.

This stole was donated to the collection during Metropolitan Community Churches' General Conference in Acapulco, Mexico in June, 2010.