Parishes in New York, New Jersey and California Hold Masses for Pride Month
Catholic parishes in Manhattan, Hoboken and San Bernardino held Masses during June for LGBTQ+ Catholics and their families, with Bishop Alberto Rojas presiding at the California cathedral
Several U.S. Catholic parishes held Masses during June to mark Pride Month, drawing hundreds of LGBTQ+ Catholics and their relatives and friends. In New York, more than 150 people gathered for the 2026 Annual Pride Mass at the Stonewall National Monument, organized by Out at St. Paul, the LGBTQ+ ministry of the parish of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan.
Father Chris Lawton, CSP, presided. In his homily he spoke about the pain many LGBTQ+ Catholics have experienced, particularly transgender people who continue to be marginalized within the Church. He also spoke about the group's contributions to the life of the Church. "Our church has been built on rock. Built on the faith of so many people who believed in the extraordinary love of God, and out of that faith, helped build this church even while they were pushed to the margins. That includes, for centuries, LGBTQ+ Catholics. Thank you for your witness. Your joy. Your creativity," he said.
Nine years of a Pride Mass in New Jersey
In Hoboken, New Jersey, the parish of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph has held an annual Pride Mass for nine years. It draws LGBTQ+ Catholics from across the New York tri-state area, some of whom travel several hours to attend. The Rev. Alexander M. Santora, the pastor, wrote in USA Today that the positive response from the faithful is the reason the church continues to organize it each year.
Santora said praying together unites people and gives them a chance to engage with their faith when they might otherwise feel rejected. "We deliberately call the Mass Pride because we want people to know what Pope Francis began at the start of his papacy. We need to walk with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and accompany them on their journey of faith, allowing them to develop a relationship with God," he said.
Bishop Rojas presides at Mass in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, California, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary hosted its second "Family Mass" honoring LGBTQ+ Catholics and their families, friends and relatives. The celebration was organized by Embrace Ministry, which has been active in the Diocese of San Bernardino for 28 years, and Bishop Alberto Rojas presided.
The Rev. David Andel, the diocesan liaison for Embrace Ministry, said one of the main aims of the Mass was to bring together parents, children and parishioners. "We recognize the dignity of every human being created in the image and likeness of God, including LGBT individuals, as human beings, as children of God and heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Don't give up on the church: come back," he said.
During the Mass, Rojas addressed those present. "Jesus looks beyond labels and social barriers to see a human being in need of love, compassion and restoration to a family, to a community and to our society. Families, Jesus sees your tears; the love of your children is a reflection of His love. You belong here. God's house is your house," he said.
Rojas added that "true strength is not found in building higher walls, but in the courage to embrace and love one another. If our pews are not safe spaces for these brothers and sisters to experience God's unconditional love, then we are failing to be the family of Jesus."
