Without Exception Newsletter

This image by Ruben Ferreira was commissioned by Outreach. Read more about it here!

The Risen Christ’s Outreach to LGBTQ People

This section is an open forum for members to share reflections or responses connected to our mission.

🚩Please respect the privacy of the authors. These reflections are intended only for the private forum of our network. Public sharing or reprinting is not permitted.

A friend asked me recently why I prefer to use the word persons over people when speaking and writing. I appreciated the question because it picked up on a small but important detail. My word choice is intentional.

Unlike people, which is a collective noun referring to a faceless crowd, the word person identifies a single human being. Thus, the plural persons refers to a collection of individuals. Both the Latin (persona) and Greek (prosopon) originally referred to an actor's mask, so the roots here point towards a person's face. I choose the words person and persons to honor the dignity of each individual face, created unique and unrepeatable by the God who knows us, loves us, and understands us.

In early March, an article titled "Biblical Hope in the Face of Suicide" was published and shared online by a major Catholic center for biblical studies. Sadly, the article presented a biblical-moral framework on "why suicide is wrong" without sufficient attention to the mental health and spiritual sufferings experienced by persons who consider or die by suicide.

After checking with some mental health professionals, it confirmed my feeling that the article was concerning. I emailed the publisher and received an acknowledgement that the article would be taken down for review. It was never reposted.

Here is how I expressed the concern:

I have a great deal of respect for your programming in biblical studies, but this article on suicide is an active threat to the mental health and wellbeing of persons who struggle with suicidality. In this age we cannot address suicide as a matter of desk-bound theology; it is a reality that profoundly affects the lives of victims and survivors of depression. Without a more pastoral posture, this article risks moving people further away from hope. Please consider removing the article from your website.

At a time when the most vulnerable in our society are at risk for adverse experiences, YOUR FACE MATTERS. Standing up for those we love is a protective factor against conditions that threaten physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. There are several ways to play this buffering role (both publicly and privately) within our families and communities. Writing well-crafted letters is one of these strategies to "campaign for everyone" ...

Lent is a time for the people of the church to open themselves to spiritual practices that deepen the sharing of life and faith. Through the interior and exterior disciplines of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, we participate in the work necessary to build up the Kingdom of God.

This Lent, join Campaign for Everyone—a national effort in the spiritual disciplines of Lent to lift up the voices of the marginalized. Through letter-writing, our goal is to ask our bishops—through their prayer and work—to lift up the lives of those who feel wounded or broken in their dignity. As shepherds of Christ’s church, our bishops lead the faithful to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the chief sign and symbol of God’s love for all human beings, without exception (CCC 478). This is the church, Pope Francis said, where there is room for “Everyone, Everyone, Everyone."

• In the months ahead, a new resource will be available to help support Catholic families and communities with LGBTQ+ children. Volunteers are needed to help collect mailing addresses for approximately 500 contacts who will receive a preview copy of this booklet. If you are willing to help enter addresses on a spreadsheet, then please let me know.

• Are you an LGBTQ+ support group leader in your school? Or do you need support from other leaders? If you are willing to talk to other educators about starting and facilitating a group, then please let me know. I will help establish connections for these conversations.

• Jonathon Sawyer, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder, is conducting a study with Catholic high school educators who support LGBTQ+ students. The study, known as “Faith and Justice for Whom? Catholic Educators, LGBTQ+ Students and the Common Good,” will explore the following overarching questions: In what ways might the religious perspectives of Catholic educators be compatible with support for LGBTQ+ students? And how do these educators negotiate tensions between faith, LGBTQ+ lived experiences, policies, and practices? As a sign of appreciation, Jonathon is pleased to provide participants with a $150.00 gift card for the completion of three interviews. The time commitment of each interview is approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The study will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Your participation in this study will remain confidential. You will work with Jonathon individually, and independent of any association with your educational institution. To indicate your interest in this study, please complete this form no later than Friday, April 11, 2025.

• Earl D’Souza, a junior at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, is currently searching for participants in a study that seeks to examine the experiences of LGBTQ+ educators teaching at Catholic schools in the United States. Interviews will be conducted one-on-one via Zoom. Responses will be fully anonymized to protect the participant's identity. More information about the study is located here. If you are interested in learning more or participating, or have further questions, please reach out to Earl at earl.dsouza@snc.edu, or to his research supervisor, Dr. Laura Krull, at laura.krull@snc.edu.

• Open Hearts and Family and Friends LGBTQ+ Ministry in Hartford, CT are putting together a joint event for Sunday, June 8, in person at the Franciscan Center from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. They are planning a 6-person panel with each pair made up of a parent and their LGBTQ+ child (young person or adult). The panel will include introductions and answering questions from the moderator and audience. Lynn Discenza is looking for volunteers to fill the panel. To learn more please contact her at lynndiscenza@gmail.com.

Our network is open to educators and those in related fields of ministry. If everybody invites just one other person, we could reach over 1000 persons each month!

"I have a high school senior who is struggling to accept himself in light of his sexuality, and he is just starting to confide in a few peers and adults on campus. Last week he stayed after class to tell me he'd spotted a Without Exception sticker in his English teacher's classroom. That silent but clear affirmation made his day."

For LGBTQ+ young persons an affirming symbol can be a lifeline. It communicates "you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you" (Isaiah 43:4). The gesture is small, but it increases a young person's sense of value and supports their physical, mental, and spiritual health.

In some places rainbow colors are controversial and beyond the threshold for community leaders. That is why the Without Exception logo is designed to be an integrated Catholic symbol. The circle represents the universal (catholic) call to be witnesses to the gospel in all places, “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8); in all times, as symbolized by the colors of the liturgical year; and to all people, as we “look upon our neighbor (without any exception) as another self” (CCC 1931). The heart at the center of the logo is an interpretation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the colors of the liturgical year symbolize glory and celebration (gold); Mary and water (blue); blood and fire (red); penance and preparation (purple); life and growth (green); and joy and hope (rose).

These items are available at cost plus $6.00 for shipping. Payment can be made by Venmo.

• A Brighter Future for Catholic Schools: Innovation and Opportunity will be out in April. This is an important collection of essays from scholars and practitioners on the front lines of whole-child Catholic education. Chapter 3 is my essay on LGBTQ+ inclusion. It takes a new and transcendent approach to the intersection of Catholic schools and questions of faith, sexuality, and gender. If you have 30 minutes, then please listen to my podcast conversation with Tim Uhl on his podcast Catholic School Matters.

• Future of Faith just released Sacred Listening, Deeper Faith: A National Research Study Exploring the Impact of Listening on Faith Formation. Trust in institutions is fading, but trust in personal relationships remains strong. This research shows that listening is not just a tool for connection—it is a catalyst for faith formation. Explore findings from the national study, download free resources, and discover how ministries that prioritize listening are building deeper, more meaningful faith communities. Everything in this study—insights, data, and tools—is available to use for free. Whether for sermons, presentations, or community discussions, these materials are designed to support your work.

• FutureChurch is seeking a witness/testimony from families who journeyed with a loved through their process of coming out as LGBTQ+. This witness of mutual listening, love, and growth will be shared on a panel during our Pride Month series in June. Please reach out to Olivia Hastie from FutureChurch (Olivia@futurechurch.org) if you are interested in participating.

• Coming off its acclaimed Off-Broadway run, Communion is now touring nationally. This powerful, one-man, autobiographical play tells the story of a gay Catholic school teacher who is fired when the Church discovers he married a man. His termination sparks a crisis of faith—not only for himself but for his entire community. Communion is written and performed by Broadway actor Matthew LaBanca and weaves humor and heart into a deeply moving theatrical experience. Audiences have called Communion “profoundly relevant,” “unforgettable,” and “a must-see for our time. Want to bring Communion to your city? Contact us at www.CommunionSoloShow.com

• The LGBTQ+ Initiative of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative is sponsoring a treat June 6-8, 2025 at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House near Chicago. Registration is now open for this event. You may access more detailed information at this link.

Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Suicide? [video] YouTube, September 24, 2025.

Bissell, Megan and Josh Packard. Sacred Listening, Deeper Faith: A National Research Study Exploring the Impact of Listening on Faith Formation. Future of Faith, 2025.

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California Catholic Conference. Hope and Healing: A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of California on Caring for those who Suffer from Mental Illness Addressed to All Catholics and People of Goodwill. California Catholic Conference, May 1, 2018.

Clark, C. M. & Kosciw, J. G. Educating educators: Knowledge, beliefs, and practice of teacher educators on LGBTQ issues. GLSEN, 2022.

Day, Maureen K., James C. Cavendish, Paul M. Perl, Michele Dillon, Mary L. Gautier, and William V. D'Antonio. Catholicism at a Crossroads: The Present and Future of America’s Largest Church. NYU Press, 2025.

Dionne Jr., EJ. Washington’s new archbishop is progressive, outspoken — and ready to stand up. Washington Post, March 17, 2025.

Cavendish, James. US Catholic attitudes toward LGBTQ people changing dramatically, research shows. National Catholic Reporter, March 5, 2025.

Fedris, Marnette. Relationship Repairing Skills Every Adult Should Learn to Help the Kids in Their Lives. KQED, March 4, 2025.

Gershenson, Seth, Michael Hansen and Constance A. Lindsay. Teacher Diversity and Student Success: Why Racial Representation Matters in the Classroom. Harvard Education Press, 2021.

Glatz, Carol. Cardinal: Dignity lies at heart of church’s stance on gender. National Catholic Reporter, March 7, 2025.

Greytak, E.A., Kosciw, J.G., Villenas, C. & Giga, N.M. From Teasing to Torment: A Survey of U.S. Secondary School Students and Teachers. GLSEN, 2016.

Hall, William J. and Grayson K. Rodgers. Teachers Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Community in the United States. Social Psychology of Education 22, July 2019.

Hansen, Michael and Alex Hubbard. Actions against LGBTQ+ students also threaten K-12 teachers. Brookings, March 6, 2025.

Kyler, John T. Search Me: A Way of the Cross in Solidarity with the LGBTQ Community. Clear Faith Publishing, 2025.

Lewis, Mike. When the Scales Fell from Our Conservative Catholic Eyes. Where Peter Is, March 23, 2025.

Meade, Jacob. Our Liberties We Prize [Documentary Short]. Vimeo, March 8, 2025.

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Hope: A Guide for Faith Leaders to Help Prevent Youth Suicide. The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma, 2023.

Next Big Idea Club. Why kindness is the key to high performance at work. Fast Company, February 28, 2025.

Pendharka, Eesha. For LGBTQ+ Students, Having Teachers Who Care Can Make a Big Difference. Education Week, May 11, 2023.

Pew Research Center. 2023-24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study Interactive Database. Pew Research Center, 2025.

Rothpletz, Peter. Why Dads Take Their Gay Sons to Hooters. New York Times, March 23, 2025.

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, Association of Catholic Mental Health Minsters, and Ave Maria Press. When a Loved One Dies by Suicide [video series]. Formed, n.d.

Schmidt, Richard. Saturday Vigil Mass Homily. YouTube, Holy Trinity, March 8, 2025.

Scott, Katie Collins. Gay music teacher fired by diocese stars in off-Broadway play about his experience. National Catholic Reporter, October 31, 2024.

Shigeoka, Scott. How to see the humanity in anyone. Psyche, December 11, 2024.

Shoener, Ed and John Dolan. When a Loved One Dies by Suicide: Comfort, Hope, and Healing for Grieving Catholics. Ave Maria Press, 2020.

Smith, Brady. Men and boys are lost. The Catholic Church can give them a better model of manliness. America, March 7, 2025.

Smith, Maggie and Stephanie Peddicord, hosts. Episode 3 – Part 1: Sacred Listening with Future of Faith [podcast]. goodfaith, 2025.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Moving Beyond Change

Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP2203-12-001. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023.

Uhl, Tim, host. David Palmieri & the theological foundations of inclusion [podcast]. Catholic School Matters, March 24, 2025.

White, John Kenneth. Who speaks for the Catholic Church in the US? The Hill, March 17, 2025.

Stanley, Stephen, host. Episode 3: Lynn Discenza [podcast]. Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, Season 1, Episode 3, March 15, 2025.

Wyman, P. A., Cero, I. J., Espelage, D. L., Reif, T., Mintz, S., LoMurray, S., Nickodem, K., Schmeelk-Cone, K. H., & Delgado, A. RCT of Sources of Strength testing impact on suicide attempts and tests of moderation by sexual violence victimization and perpetration. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Is. 68, Vol. 3, 2025.

• Bit of Joy is a support group for ministry leaders in LGBTQ+ Catholic ministry. The group meets on Zoom on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9:00 PM Eastern time. Every session is facilitated by a different group member, who gets to choose the topic for conversation. If you are a ministry leader interested in peer support in these times, then please contact Vicki Sheridan at thewelcometablepgh@gmail.com.

• Rooted in Ignatian values of cura personalis and accompaniment, Camino is an opportunity for religious communities, parish and school staffs, or other Catholic organizations to encounter the journeys of Catholic trans people through our common faith. The presenters include trans Catholics and parents of trans children. The hope is to foster more welcoming environments by sharing the real life and faith experiences of trans Catholics. The sessions can be scheduled by appointment on Zoom. Email Michael Sennett at caminoencounter@gmail.com for more information.

• Outreach will host a three-day guided retreat, led by James Martin, S.J., at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA, outside of Philadelphia, from June 20-22, 2025. The retreat, “Jesus Desires your Friendship,” is designed for LGBTQ Catholics, their families and friends and those who minister to them. During this silent, preached retreat, Father Martin will offer several talks on the theme of how Jesus reaches out to those on the “margins,” but also invites us to create a community, overcoming the barriers of “us” and “them.” There will be opportunities for faith sharing in smaller groups as well as Masses celebrated on Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, and to register, visit the website of Daylesford Abbey, a Norbertine abbey located on several acres of beautiful countryside.

• The Naming Project will hold its summer camp July 20-25, 2025 in Minnesota. The theme this year is Beautiful Things. From enjoying the beauty of creation, to arts & crafts exploring beauty and wonder, to music and songs that help us enjoy each other’s company and talents, and so much more, this summer will be a time to discover just how beautiful this world can truly be, and how God has made us all uniquely beautiful as part of this beautiful creation! We will take time in Bible study to explore how beautiful God declared creation to be, and how everyone is a part of all things wonderful even when we can’t always see it ourselves! Even when we don’t see it and can’t feel it, there is so much joy, beauty, and wonder all around us, and we plan to spend our amazing summer exploring it! Campers will experience large and small group conversation, personal quiet time as well as campfires, crafts, swimming, games, and summer camp fun in the beauty of God’s creation! Find more information at The Naming Project.

• Dr. Julia Sadusky, Psy.D recently started a mailing list to share updates and resources to help better understand the intersection of faith, sexuality, and gender. Additionally, she will continue offering 2-hour virtual consultations to individuals and families across the country navigating questions around sexuality, gender, and Christian faith. Also, a major goal of 2025 is making low-cost resources (especially video content) readily accessible to individuals and families. A primary avenue for this will be her professional YouTube channel. Finally, while making this content is costly, it's an important aspect of Dr. Sadusky's ongoing work. If you would like to support this project, consider joining her Patreon community, where an online group of Christians is seeking to elevate the conversations around gender, sexuality, and faith. It also gives members access to exclusive video content, while creating a way for viewers to financially support the creation of new content moving forward. Please contact admin@luxcc.org with any questions.

• The annual Interfaith Weekend Retreat for LGBTQ+ Persons, Allies, and Family Members will be held on the weekend of November 7-9, 2025 at the Feliciana Retreat and Conference Center in Norwood, Louisiana. More information will be forthcoming. If you have any questions, then please contract Brad Leger at brad@balconsulting.org.

• Read more about Jory Mertens in this article from the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri! Jory is a Carthage, Missouri-based artist who works in digital fine art and illustration, often using cubist, geometric, and fauvist elements (ArtByJory). Many of his works are based on his view of Jesus as being radically inclusive. He enjoys creating works based on his family, theology, nature, and portraits of heroes of humanity. As a special gift for our community Jory offers a 30% discount on ALL his artwork with discount code WITHOUTEXCEPTION30.

March 2025

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October 2024

Without Exception is a no-cost ministry network for people in Catholic secondary education and related fields of ministry. The goal is to offer helpful networking and resources to accompany our LGBTQ+ students and colleagues with the love of Jesus Christ and his church. Please respect privacy and confidentiality concerning the persons and schools connected to our network. The strength of this work is sustained by the trust among members.

Without Exception is a global network of Catholic secondary educators dedicated to discerning the art of accompaniment for LGBTQ+ students in Catholic schools. Through a commitment to faithful dialogue and peer collaboration, we seek to understand what it means to share the love of Jesus Christ with every person, without exception.

Email: info@withoutexception.net

Website: www.withoutexception.net