In a fresh twist on church outreach, six Atlanta priests traded sermons for jokes at a stand-up comedy event on November 12, 2025. The sold-out show at St. Pius X High School drew laughs from hundreds, blending faith with fun to connect with the community in new ways.
Event Sparks Joy and Laughter
The comedy night, organized by The Quest radio station, featured priests from local parishes sharing original routines. Host Josh Harris and station manager Dave Savage added their own humor to kick things off.
Crowds packed the high school auditorium, cheering as clergy stepped into the spotlight. The two-hour show focused on lighthearted tales from parish life, priesthood mishaps, and everyday humor. This event came at a time when community gatherings are booming in Atlanta, with comedy scenes growing fast amid a wave of local entertainment options.
Attendees described the night as uplifting, a break from routine church activities. One fan noted how the priests’ jokes made faith feel more approachable.
Recent trends show comedy events rising in popularity across Georgia. Data from entertainment trackers indicate a 15 percent increase in live comedy attendance in 2025 compared to last year, driven by unique themes like this one.
Standout Priest Performances
Father Mark White opened the show with quips about his past comedy days, joking that his old material would need confession now. As pastor of Queen of Angels Church in Thomson and St. Joseph Church in Washington, he set a fun tone.
Father David DesPres, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Atlanta, shared stories from his first year as a priest. He called himself a “granola guy” who loves hiking, recounting a funny bridge fall that tied into his vow of celibacy.
Father Robbie Cotta, chaplain at St. Pius X High School, enjoyed home-field cheers. Students waved cutout signs of his face, boosting the energy.
Father John Klein brought extra flair with dances, a guitar song, and a PowerPoint. Wearing a “priesthood rocks” shirt, he emphasized how faith and fun go hand in hand.
Father Daniel Brandenburg admitted he is not funny but won laughs by poking fun at his intense image. Father Paul Porter rounded out the lineup with tales from St. Mary Church in Rome.
Each routine lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, keeping the pace lively.
Behind the Scenes Preparation
Planning started months earlier, with The Quest team scouting priests open to comedy. Father Tim Gallagher led a pre-show prayer, setting a spiritual tone.
Priests practiced routines in spare time, drawing from real-life experiences. Father Klein mentioned nerves but called it one of his best nights, highlighting joy in faith.
Organizers aimed to show a human side of clergy, fostering stronger community ties. This aligns with broader 2025 efforts in Atlanta, where churches host more events like music nights and workshops to engage younger crowds.
A quick look at similar events:
- New York Comedy Club plans November 2025 shows with big names like Judah Friedlander.
- Laughing Skull Lounge in Atlanta hosts weekly comedy showcases, drawing diverse crowds.
Audience Reactions and Impact
The crowd’s roars filled the room, with many surprised to see priests in such a casual light. Parishioners shared stories of renewed connections, saying the event made church feel welcoming.
Social media buzzed post-show, with posts praising the humor and calling for more. One attendee tweeted about the joy of seeing faith through laughter, echoing sentiments from recent X discussions on fun church activities.
This event ties into Atlanta’s vibrant entertainment scene, where comedy clubs like Laughing Skull report sold-out weekends. It also reflects a national trend, with comedy specials on platforms like Netflix gaining millions of views in 2025.
Here is a table of key facts from the show:
| Priest Name | Role/Parish | Highlight Joke/Act |
|---|---|---|
| Father Mark White | Pastor, Queen of Angels and St. Joseph | Past comedy needing confession |
| Father David DesPres | Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart | Hiking mishap as “celi-booster shot” |
| Father Robbie Cotta | Chaplain, St. Pius X High School | Cheered by students with signs |
| Father John Klein | Director, Regnum Christi; Georgia Tech | Guitar, dances, PowerPoint |
| Father Daniel Brandenburg | Chaplain, Lumen Institute | Self-deprecating intensity bit |
| Father Paul Porter | Pastor, St. Mary Church, Rome | Parish life memories |
Feedback suggests the show strengthened community bonds, with some priests open to future gigs.
Looking Ahead to More Fun
Events like this could inspire similar ones nationwide, as churches seek creative outreach. In Atlanta, upcoming comedy nights include the Best of Atlanta Showcase at Laughing Skull Lounge on November 20 and 21, 2025.
Experts note that blending humor with faith helps combat declining attendance, with studies showing a 10 percent rise in engagement from fun programs.
If you enjoyed this story, share it with friends or comment below on your favorite comedy moment. What funny church tale would you share?
