For more quality podcasts, in-depth news, analysis and spiritual resources from America Media, visit americamagazine.org

In the fourth episode of "Plague," Mike visits a Catholic Church in the Castro–San Francisco's LGBT neighborhood–that transformed itself during the 80s and 90s into what parishioners called a "gay church." It took the delicate balance of an innovative pastor, committed gay parishioners, and open-minded old ladies to bring life to the now iconic church.

But the parish didn't just survive. It transformed itself into a place where the neighborhood it served could rely on it for spiritual sustenance and physical help during the height of the HIV and AIDS crisis. As one member put it to us, Most Holy Redeemer became a place that helped save souls, and save lives.

In short, it became a model for what a parish should be. 

Learn more at www.americamag.org/plague.

You can follow Mike on Twitter @mikeoloughlin.