When I received an Instagram DM from James Martin, SJ, this past October, inviting me to apply for a job, my first thought was not “How exciting!” It was “Oh no—Father Jim has been hacked.”
Like many friends and relatives before him, perhaps, I assumed, he had fallen victim to an international scam. Maybe this was the beginning of a message about a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity. Or a deeply discounted insurance plan. Or—best-case scenario—a foreign-born prince in need of a little start-up capital. I nearly picked up the phone to warn him before realizing that this message was very real, and it was about a new opportunity at Outreach.
The time since accepting the position of executive director has been equal parts thrilling, humbling and scary. When I recorded my introductory video, I spoke about excitement, hope and possibility. As a queer Catholic myself, I spoke from the heart and from personal experience about the importance of listening—especially to the people who have been doing this work faithfully long before I arrived. Writing now, those commitments feel even stronger.
Beginning this new role feels like stepping onto sacred ground. Outreach is a ministry built by countless people whose courage, vulnerability and love for the Catholic Church have shaped the path forward. I am very grateful to join them and to help carry this mission into its next chapter.
As I was preparing to begin this work, it was serendipitous that I attended Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. I found myself praying with the day’s Gospel reading over the next few days. Mary’s “yes” to God was brave, disruptive and anything but easy. She stepped beyond what was familiar and known, trusting that God would meet her there, and heard the invitation: “Do not be afraid.”
In many ways, the ministry of Outreach exists because people have made that same choice—to step outside comfort and certainty and ease in order to walk more humbly, love more deeply and accompany those who have too often been pushed to the margins of our church.
A major part of the work I hope to continue will be with the awesome regional events begun under Michael O’Loughlin’s leadership. These regional gatherings are not just programs—they are lifelines. They bring people together for conversations that matter and relationships that both blossom and endure. I’ve been moved by how consistently these events create real welcome and real possibility. I can’t wait to travel, listen and learn from people across the country who have been living this mission long before I arrived. Real connection is a huge part of what fuels everything Outreach does.
That same spirit of connection is at the heart of Outreach 2026, our national conference at Georgetown University scheduled for next summer (June 19-21). I’m thrilled to be working closely with Jack Consolie, our assistant director, as we shape this year’s gathering. For me, the conference is the heartbeat of the ministry. I’m especially excited to use the conference as a chance to encounter and meet you all; to hear your journeys, your hopes, your frustrations, and your faith. I believe this year’s conference will be a powerful moment, and I’m honored to help steward it.
Teaching has always been one of the great joys of my life, and I’m excited to bring that love of learning into Outreach. I’m hoping to develop a course centered on Fr. Martin’s book Building a Bridge, alongside other foundational texts in queer Christian theology. While I hope to teach this course at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where I serve as an adjunct instructor, I want this learning to extend beyond campus walls. My hope is to offer free online sessions for anyone connected to Outreach who wants to explore questions of faith, identity and theology more deeply.
Just as important will be walking alongside ministers, parents and parish leaders who have been supporting LGBTQ people faithfully for years. These are often the unsung heroes of this work—the ones who listen patiently and generously, and show up over and over again. Their wisdom is invaluable. Outreach exists to support and strengthen these leaders, not replace them, and I am deeply committed to learning from and partnering with them.
I’m also excited to engage Outreach’s digital presence. Outreach already offers thoughtful and pastoral content on our website, and I see great potential to expand that work through essays, reflections and cultural commentary—on books, films, music and stories shaping our world.
All of this—the regional events, the teaching, the conference, the partnerships, the retreats, the online engagement—comes back to one important insight: this ministry is about real people. It is about the sacredness of lived experience. And it is about a belief that the church is at its best when it reflects the full humanity, dignity and diversity of God’s people.
Mary’s courage reminds us that when God calls, we are invited to say “yes,” even when it is uncomfortable, even if it is scary. and especially when it requires growth and bravery. “Do not be afraid,” said the angel to Mary, and says God to us.
I am honored to join this mission. I am energized for the work ahead. And I am deeply grateful to everyone who has shaped Outreach into what it is today. I look forward to meeting you, learning from you and walking with you as we continue building a more loving and welcoming church together.
With hope and gratitude,
Conor Reidy
Executive Director, Outreach
