INDIANAPOLIS -- A Catholic Roncalli counselor who was put on paid administrative leave over her same-sex marriage says her next mission is a push for change.
Shelly Fitzgerald says she isn't fighting for changes in the Catholic church, but she is challenging the leaders of the church in central Indiana to make policy changes.
READ | Roncalli guidance counselor says she was asked to resign over same-sex marriage | Parents demand change and show support for Roncalli counselor
Fitzgerald says she is still on paid administrative leave with Roncalli High School, but she isn't sure how long that will last and she isn't willing to wait until it ends to begin her fight.
"Up until this point, I have sat patiently waiting to hear my fate. In the face of that moment, I have remained kind, I have remained respectful and positive. My heart has remained full of love and my faith has grown stronger," said Fitzgerald. "However, my weight is over today. I take my fate into my own hands."
READ | Archbishop responds to controversy surrounding Roncalli guidance counselor's same-sex marriage | Roncalli president cancels board meeting where protests planned in support of counselor
Fitzgerald wants the archdiocese to extend benefits to spouses of gay and lesbian employees as well as allow the creation of support groups at Catholic high schools.
"Don't get me wrong, I love Roncalli. I always have and I always will. It is time to make things better. It is time for us to start living what we teach. We all need to be more loving, more accepting and more welcoming to everyone, just as Jesus did and just as he called us to do," said Fitzgerald.
TIMELINE | Roncalli LGBT Counselor Controversy
You can watch Fitzgerald's Thursday press conference below.
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