Catholic LGBT Ministry Outreach Publishes Author’s Adaptation of Penitential Prayer

On October 25, 2026, US Catholic LGBT ministry Outreach published an essay by American chaplain Ariell Watson Simon on the Confiteor, a penitential prayer used at the beginning of Mass. The article opens a series on LGBT Catholics’ experience of the liturgy and ends with the author’s adaptation of the prayer.

Watson Simon writes that her sexual orientation does not in itself make her sinful. She proposes examining prejudices, words and omissions when considering one’s conscience, and understanding repentance as a shared task for believers who need one another’s prayerful support.

Her version does not mention the Virgin Mary or angels; the request to pray with the author is addressed to “spiritual ancestors,” “queer saints” and the human family. Outreach also posted an excerpt on X on October 25.

Conservative outlet LifeSiteNews called the adaptation “blasphemous” on October 27. Article author Antonino Cambria argued that it diminishes sin, criticizing the appeal to “queer saints” and the absence of an account of Church teaching on homosexuality.

Outreach presents the text as a personal adaptation. The Roman Missal sets out the current order of Mass. Its General Instruction explains that the Penitential Act at the beginning of Mass does not replace sacramental confession. Paragraph 24 prohibits a priest from adding, removing or changing elements of the liturgy on his own initiative.

Outreach, founded by American Jesuit priest James Martin, is part of America Media. It publishes resources for LGBT Catholics, their families and clergy, and organizes conferences and prayer gatherings.

Urania previously reported on a Mass for LGBT Catholics and their loved ones in Atlanta, held on October 18 with Outreach’s participation.