Minister to persons experiencing same-sex attractions

Courage offers resources for research about homosexuality as well as help and support for priests who may be chaplains for Courage, who minister to those who deal with same-sex attractions, or who deal with same sex attractions themselves. Those seeking Church teaching on these issues can find it here, as well as other useful articles and essays.

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Here are answers to some questions that Courage website visitors often ask. If you have questions you would like answered, feel free to send them to us.

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The Five Goals of Courage

The Five Goals were created by the members themselves, when Courage was founded. The goals are read at the start of each meeting and each member is called to practice them in daily life. Here are the Goals in their entirety.

  1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality. ( Chastity )
  2. To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. (Prayer and Dedication)
  3. To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone. (Fellowship)
  4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships. (Support)
  5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others. (Good Example/Role Model)

Handouts to Print and Share

Courage/EnCourage Young Adult Brochure – Spanish

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Recommended Reading by Fr. Paul Check

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Published in: Recommended Reading by Fr. Paul Check

Author: Fr. Paul Check

Courage/EnCourage Brochure

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Courage/EnCourage Young Adult Brochure

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Embracing the Faith

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Published in: Pursuit of Truth.ca

The Health Risks of “Gay” Sex

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What Does Research Show: Therapies for Same-Sex Attraction

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Outreach to Homosexual Persons: The Understanding Heart

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Ministering to Persons with Same-Sex Attractions: What Courage Members Would Like Clergy to Know

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Don’t Call Me Gay!

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Featured Articles for Clergy

We have obtained permission from the authors, as well as the magazines from which these materials originated, for copies to be made as part of a clergy study day.

New Booklet Supports Priests Ministering to Porn Users

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Published in: Catholic Answers

Author: Richaél Smith

Published: September 27, 2016

Living the Truth in Love Pastoral Approaches to Same-Sex Attraction

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Author: Janet E Smith and Fr. Paul Check

Published: August 2015

Approaching Homosexuality With ‘True Compassion,’ Not ‘Sentimentality’

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Published in: National Catholic Register

Author: PETER JESSERER SMITH

Published: 05/29/2015

Authentic Truth & Compassion

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Phony Matrimony Or What King Kamehameha II Teaches Us About the Last Marriage Taboo

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Published in: Touchstone

Author: Christopher Oleson

Published: March 2015

Seven Things I Wish My Pastor Knew About My Homosexuality

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Published in: Public Discourse - The Witherspoon Institute

Author: Jean Lloyd (within marriage)

Published: December 10, 2014

Recommended Reading by Fr. Paul Check

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Published in: Recommended Reading by Fr. Paul Check

Author: Fr. Paul Check

Against Heterosexuality

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Published in: First Things

Author: Michael W. Hannon

Published: March 2014

Do Homosexuals Exist? Or, Where Do We Go From Here?

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Published in: Faith and Fortitude

Author: Fr. Hugh Barbour

Published: August 1, 2013

A Label That Sticks

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Published in: First Things

Author: Fr. Paul Scalia

Published: July 2005

Clergy Study Day Videos

Clergy Day 2014, Part 7: Deacon Lappert

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 1: Fr. Check

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 3: Fr. Check

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 4: Dr. Horne

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 5: Deacon Walker

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 2: Paul

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Clergy Day 2014, Part 6: Fr. Check

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Member Testimonies

Courage members from around the world are coming forward to give testimony to God's work in their lives! In these stories you will see among the varying experiences, one common theme: Once we committed our lives to Christ and to the full teachings of His Catholic Church, we really began to live!

ined permission from the authors, as well as the magazines from which these materials originated, for copies to be made as part of a clergy study day.

Hudson Byblow

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Bullied “Out of the Closet” and (Almost) Bullied Back In

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Published in: Crisis Magazine

Author: DAVID PROSEN

Published: July 9, 2015

Desire of the Everlasting Hills Documentary

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Published in: www.everlastinghills.org

Interview: Coming Out of the Gay Lifestyle

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Published in: Chastity.com

Author: Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P.

Published: September 2014

Kim’s Testimony

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Member Testimony: Allen

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Conference Testimonies

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Member Testimony: Peter

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Member Testimony: Mark

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Member Testimony: Chris

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Member Testimony: JM

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Member Testimony: Jim B

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Member Testimony: Louis

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Rilene’s Testimony

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Published: 2012 Conference

Karl’s Testimony

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Published: 2012 Conference

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