As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year approach, LGBTQ Catholics and their families may be weighing how to handle tense conversations, church visits and questions of belonging. Outreach is hosting an online mental health panel on 18 November 2026, with practical holiday guidance from a social work student and a clinical psychologist.
Holiday gatherings can bring more than good cheer
For some LGBTQ Catholics, a family celebration can feel less like a cosy reunion and more like a series of difficult decisions: whether to answer a pointed question, attend a service that may not feel welcoming, or seek out a safer community. Outreach’s upcoming webinar is designed to offer support for those moments. [2]
The one-hour panel takes place online on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 8pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is required, and attendees can submit questions for the speakers. The event will also be recorded, offering some flexibility for people who can’t join live. [3]
Who’s on the panel?
The discussion brings together Desiré Findlay, a Master of Social Work student, spiritual director, dancer and writer based in the Chicago area, and Mary Kate Roohan, a clinical psychologist and drama therapist. Findlay lives with her wife and their rescue dog, Beau. [2] [4]
Roohan founded Thrive and Feel, a therapy practice in Pasadena, California. Her practice profile describes her work as supporting LGBTQ clients in collaborative settings where they can show up authentically. [6] [7]
A little preparation can make a hard visit easier
The panel’s focus is practical: helping LGBTQ Catholics and their families approach holiday situations with strategies for protecting their wellbeing. That could mean thinking ahead about which conversations feel manageable, deciding what boundaries to set, or identifying someone supportive to contact afterwards. These are simple preparations, but they can make an uncertain day feel less overwhelming. [2] [6]
Spiritual direction may also help some LGBTQ people reflect on faith and personal flourishing. New Ways Ministry has discussed how the practice can offer space for that kind of exploration, though individual needs and experiences vary. [5]
What to know before registering
The event is scheduled for 8pm ET on 18 November, and registration is required through the webinar sign-up page. Viewers can send in questions, while the recording means the discussion needn’t be watched live. [2] [3]
For anyone feeling uneasy about the season, a webinar can’t resolve every family tension or guarantee a welcoming religious setting. But hearing practical ideas from people working in mental health and spiritual support may help viewers plan their next step with a little more confidence. [2] [6]
It’s a chance to prepare for the holidays with support, rather than facing every difficult moment alone.
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