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Cate Bransfield grew up in the Catholic Church and says that the first time she entered an MCC church and saw a woman presiding at the altar, it changed her life forever. Cate admits that inclusive language was initially problematic for her—although she embraced it conceptually, she would unconsciously revert to patriarchal verbiage. Cate is a registered nurse and has many memories of working in AIDS-related ministries and working directly with AIDS patients and their families.

Written (Survey) History

This history was collected via online survey.

What do you like to be called by your friends and family?

Cate

 

Where were you born?

The Bronx, New York

 

Did you grow up in a church? If yes, which one?

Catholic

 

When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?

1987

 

How did you hear about MCC? Friend, family, advertising, Troy’s book, other? Please describe.

While on vacation in Florida I found an Ad in a local Gay & Lesbian Newspaper. I vividly remember reading it in the hotel, and being incredibly pleased.

 

Describe your first visit to MCC. Please include the church’s name.

Amazing. Rev. Renne Shawver preached, and while I don’t remember the content of her sermon I most definitely remember the spirit of her message.

 

How many years have you belonged to a MCC?

I joined in 1989 and have been active since with a few gaps.

 

Who preached the sermon that you’ve never forgotten? Do you remember the name of the sermon? Where were you when you heard it?

Rev. Elder Freda Smith – “Purple Grass.” I sent that to everyone I knew. Rev. Fred Williams (King of Peace circa 1989 – 1994) preached a painful series of sermons on suicide, no doubt assuaging anxiety, guilt and grief among many family members of persons who had murdered their self.

 

Who influenced you the most in MCC?

Rev. Renne Shawver – I became a deacon in MCC of the Pines and King of Peace with her blessing.

 

Describe how this person influenced you.

Being raised Catholic the most I could aspire to within the religious community would have been as a nun. The first time I saw Renne perform the consecration of the gifts, (Holy Communion) I almost cried. Months later, when I approached Renne, saying I wanted to be a deacon she smiled, and said she knew as much, and was wondering when I would get around to approaching her.

 

If you attend a MCC now, please give its name.

King ff Peace, St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

What do you like best about your local church? 

The community. We have a strong church family, as diverse as can be. Our church is beautiful, and maintained by church members. We reach out to the community, (local) by feeding the homeless. Globally, we support the Smile Train, and The Heffer Project. We are generous, loving, and affirming.

 

What do you like best about the movement, ministry and community of MCC?

The work that we do globally. I believe that together we will help make this world a safer place for EVERYONE of God’s children.

 

What was the moment when you felt most proud to be a member of MCC?

Every fourth Sunday of the month when the homeless people here in St. Pete reminded us that we make the BEST dinners. One day a guy said, ‘boy, I’m glad I came’ (when he saw the chicken)…..I replied, that I was glad he came too. It had been so long since anyone had delighted in his good fortune that he honestly didn’t ‘hear’ me for a second or two. Then, with eyes brimming full of tears he looked up at me, and said thank you. Whew, I had to work really had to maintain composure and I think that moment Jesus smiled.

 

Have you attended a General Conference? If so please tell how many you have attended.

Yes, Arizona many years ago.

 

What do you like best about General Conferences?

The feeling of affirmation  and being in the company of so many other MCCers. Kindred spirits, all gathered to do good.

 

What do you remember about the Inclusive (Including) Language Project? Or your first encounter with Inclusive (Including) language at MCC.

Being raised Catholic I had some difficulty with it initially. I embraced it conceptually, but would automatically revert to patriarchal verbiage. Now, I completely embrace it.

 

What do you remember about the ordination of women and people of color?

That was already completely in place when I joined. And, as I said earlier, seeing a woman on the altar the first time I entered an MCC church and it changed my life forever. And, as for people of color, I don’t know anyone who would not be brought closer to their Source listening to Rev. Delores Berry!

 

What do you remember about the beginning of ministry to the transgender and intersexed communities?

I don’t really remember that beginning, but am grateful that it exists.

 

What do you remember about the growth of a community of children or a children’s / youth ministry at your MCC? 

We enjoy a children’s sermon every Sunday morning, and again, I’m glad for that. I became a Godmother in King Of Peace, and my Godson’s Mother who was straight responded to any concerns she might have about MCC’s outreach to the gay and lesbian community. She said, ‘if it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for us.’

 

What do you remember about MCC ministry during the beginning of the AIDS pandemic and the transition of that movement to where it is today.

I will NEVER forget the chance I had to be on the altar with Rev. Steve Pieters. I read the gospel, (woman with the bleeding disorder) before he preached, how incredibly powerful! As a deacon, and also an RN I got to work with people with AIDS, i.e. give B-12 shots at our weekly AIDS dinners, etc.. As I pedaled the AIDS ride I held each of the persons I’d worked with in my heart.

 

What do you remember about our restructuring from Districts/Global Outreach to Regions? 

I was a bit confused.

 

Please include any other memory or historical moment that you wish to share.
I had gone to visit a member who was gravely ill with AIDS. His mom had come down to Florida to help care for him. She met me at the carport this day, angry and tearful. She literally wailed at me, crying and cursing about the unfairness of a mother burying her child. Naturally, I allowed her to vent. While visiting him I asked if he would like to take communion with his mom and he said yes. She balked initially, ‘I can’t do that’ I assured her she could, and they did. The words I spoke were surely Spirit given, and they were both given some peace. He died that night. At the Memorial Service the mom came up to me, and hugged me tightly, and through her tears she thanked me for that experience, saying she would never forget it. I will never forget that experience.

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