Outreach is excited to partner with Fortunate and Faithful Families of Atlanta and the Restorative Justice Ministries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta for the Fortunate and Faithful Families’ annual celebration, “Mass of Belonging: More than Welcome,” followed by a social at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Atlanta at 11 am. (To register for the reception following Mass, please fill out the form at the end of this article so event organizers can have an estimated headcount for food.)
The event will include the celebration of Mass for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time inside the Shrine in Atlanta at 11 am, followed by a social gathering on the grounds of the parish. The gathering is an opportunity for LGBTQ Catholics, allies and those who minister to them in the southeast region of the country to pray together, get to know one another and make connections for future partnerships.
“So many visitors have told us the “Mass of Belonging” is what every Mass should be, in every church. And we couldn’t agree more,” said James Guthrie, executive director of Fortunate and Faithful Families.
“Our church benefits from the faithful ministry of so many LGBTQ Catholics, not just at the Shrine but across the archdiocese,” said Drew Denton, the director of Restorative Justice Ministries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. “The “Mass of Belonging” gives us a chance to acknowledge that in gratitude.”
This event marks Outreach’s first, in-person event in the southeast region of the United States. The “Mass of Belonging: More than Welcome” follows the week after Atlanta Pride, October 11, 2026, which is regarded as the largest Pride celebration in the region and is celebrated this year on National Coming Out Day.
“The Shrine is thrilled to host the “Mass of Belonging.” We have always been a soft place to land for all people, and we look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to this special liturgy,” said the Rev. Joseph Morris, pastor of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
John Consolie, Outreach’s assistant director, said “It is a joy and a privilege for Outreach to be in Atlanta, Georgia. Personally, as a native Georgian who grew up close to the Shrine, this will be a particularly powerful and special event, celebrating and elevating communities that my younger self would be proud I am a part of today.”
This event is a part of Outreach’s strategy of partnering with local communities to continue the conversation from Outreach 2026, “Walking Side by Side: Celebrating Five Years of Outreach,” which took place June 19-21, 2026, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
No registration is required to attend the “Mass of Belonging: More than Welcome.”
To register for the reception following the “Mass of Belonging: More than Welcome,” complete the form below by Oct. 12. This reception is free to attend. For more information, email John Consolie, Outreach’s assistant director, at jconsolie@americamedia.org.
