September 15, 2018
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
A month ago, the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made public a Report of a statewide investigating grand jury, which detailed credible allegations of sexual abuse of children and youth in six dioceses in Pennsylvania, and shortcomings in the ways that such allegations were handled by diocesan administrators, particularly diocesan bishops, over the years. The Grand Jury Report followed revelations of sexual misconduct and harassment by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, and this news has provoked justifiable anger, sadness and pain among the faithful, particularly among survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones. “If one member” of the Body of Christ “suffers, all suffer together with it,” Saint Paul teaches (1 Cor 12:26), and in these days the suffering of the Church is grave indeed.
Easter, 2019
Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! Alleluia!
The Good News that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead has transformed the whole world, yet we receive it in the midst of our ordinary lives. While we struggle against old habits and strive for conversion of heart, the Risen Lord reminds us that He has come “that [we] may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10).
James Tissot (1836-1902). Jesus Appears to the Holy Women (Apparition de Jésus aux saintes femmes), 1886-1894. Brooklyn Museum.
“I am glad that we are talking about ‘homosexual people’ because before all else comes the individual person, in his wholeness and dignity. And people should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures and we are destined to receive his infinite love.”
Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy
Our Mission
Watch our welcome video, featuring former Courage executive director, Father Philip Bochanski
Special Announcement
On Holy Thursday, April 6, Most Rev. Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced his intention to appoint our executive director, Father Philip G. Bochanski as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Father Bochanski will step down as executive director on June 3, 2023. At that time Father Kyle Schnippel, the chair of the Board of Directors of Courage International, will be appointed acting executive director. We are hopeful that a new executive director will be appointed in the next few months.
Courage & EnCourage near you
Whether you experience same-sex attractions and are committed to following the Church’s teaching on chastity, or you have a family member or loved one who identifies as LGBT, you are not alone. Join our global Courage and EnCourage family and discover a chapter near you.
Our Community
Read testimonials by Courage members, EnCourage members, and Chaplains on our blog The Upper Room
Get to know us personally at Faces of Courage
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Featured Resource
Father Philip Bochanski’s Departure From Courage Marks an Era of Growth Amid Societal Tumult
The executive director of the international apostolate that serves same-sex-attracted Catholics and their families reflects on the lessons learned during his tenure.
Courage Handbook
A resource for chaplains and members of Courage and EnCourage
Events
EnCourage Fall Retreat – Save the Date!
Do you have loved ones who identify as LGBTQ+? Are you striving to maintain a loving relationship…