The historical events on this timeline are presented succinctly for easy viewing.
For a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and dynamic history of this apostolate, especially: the careful laying of its solid theological foundation; the establishment of a spiritual plan for its members; and the unique contributions and efforts of many laity and Chaplains over 40+ years in building a vibrant sacramental community for Christian discipleship, we recommend a careful reading of the following:
The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care by Fr. John F. Harvey, OSFS (Ignatius Press, 1987)
The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful by Fr. John F. Harvey, OSFS (Ignatius Press, 1996)
Courage: A Ministry of Hope by James A. Beers (Dog Ear Publishing, 2018)
Terence Cardinal Cooke, Archbishop of New York, wishes to start an outreach to people who experience same-sex attractions and who also desire to live chastely in accordance with Catholic teaching. Cardinal Cooke consults Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR (then OFM Cap). Fr. Groeschel recommends Fr. John Harvey OSFS as a possible director of such a ministry. Fr. Harvey is asked to do this and says Yes.
The Daughters of St. Paul publish a pamphlet by Fr. Harvey entitled A Spiritual Plan to Redirect One’s Life. The pamphlet emphasizes both the possibility and necessity of chastity for faithful Catholics, and the importance of having a grace-filled spiritual plan.
After two years of preparation, the fledgling apostolate is ready to have its first meeting which is held on September 26, 1980 at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in NYC.
Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In almost-Spring, 1981, the members themselves compose and approve five goals for the apostolate. While the goals have undergone a slight rewording over the years, they’ve remained the same in their essence. Here they are in their current form.
On March 13, 1981, the members agree on the name “Courage” for the apostolate.
Anne Buckley, Managing Editor of Catholic New York, writes an article about Courage in her Editor’s Report, with the headline “The Word is Courage”. This is the first piece of publicity for the still young apostolate, and it attracts many new members.
In October 1983, Courage opens a central office in the basement of the rectory at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Manhattan. Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At the beginning of 1984, Courage publishes its first Handbook which is designed to be a guide for new members as well as those who wish to start a new Courage chapter. (Front and back cover of 1991 edition pictured above.)
The Courage office moves to the rectory of St. Michael the Archangel on West 34th Street in midtown Manhattan.
Jim.henderson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fr Benedict Groeschel, CFR, publishes his book The Courage to Be Chaste and dedicates it to “the men and women of Courage and all who have the courage to try.” (Paulist Press, January 1985)
In late Spring, 1986, a Courage chapter is established in Toronto, Canada. In October 1986, Philadelphia holds its first Courage meeting.
In 1987, Courage establishes Catholic spiritual support groups for relatives and friends of persons experiencing same-sex attractions. Initially referred to as Courage Anonymous or Courage-Anon, these groups come to be known as EnCourage.
In September 1987, Courage begins publishing a quarterly newsletter.
In October 1987, Ignatius Press publishes a book by Fr. Harvey: The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care. Cardinal John J. O’Connor says of the book “Virtually every sentence reflects the gentle concern of this dedicated priest who struggles always to understand and to teach with authenticity and integrity.”
The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars bestow on Fr. Harvey the Cardinal Wright award, in recognition of his many years of faithful Catholic ministry in the area of homosexuality, especially through the Courage apostolate.
The first Courage Conference is held August 11 – 13, 1989 at Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in Riverdale, NY. Members from the U.S. and Canada attend.
The second annual Courage Conference is held in Rosemont College in Philadelphia, August 9 – 12, 1990
Montgomery County Planning Commission, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The first retreat for members of EnCourage (then known as Courage-Anon) is held April 5-7, 1991 at the Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in Riverdale, NY.
The third Annual Courage Conference is held at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 8-11, 1991. (Image from assumption.edu)
This is the first annual conference to be held outside of the United States, at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, in Toronto, Canada, August 6 – 9, 1992. Jphillips23, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
With the approval of Cardinal O’Connor, a Courage group focused on prayers of reparation begins meeting on November 21, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Staten Island.
This conference is held at the Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in Riverdale, NY, August 19 – 22, 1993.
Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family states the following: “This Pontifical Council for the Family supports the organization, Courage, which was founded by Father John Harvey, O.S.F.S., for helping homosexual persons to live in accordance with the laws of God and the teachings of His Church.”
This conference is held August 18-21 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY, in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
On July 29th, 1995, a Courage chapter is started in the Archdiocese of Manila. Over the years, many more chapters are established in the Philippines. Front view of The Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila by Patrickroque01 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This year’s conference is held at the Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in the Bronx, August 17-20.
This conference is held August 8-11, at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia.
PearlJamNoCode at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ignatius Press publishes Fr. Harvey’s second book The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful in September 1996. Fr. Benedict Groeschel says, “This book offers not only good advice, wise counsel and intelligent discussion, but also the bright light of hope and fresh insights from some of the most positive Christian thinking in a complex and sensitive area.”
This is the second annual conference to be held outside of the United States. It is held August 14-17 in Canada, at Le Monastere Christian Renewal Centre in Aylmer, Quebec. (photo: Google Maps)
A Courage chapter is officially formed in Brisbane, Australia in February 1998. This is the first chapter to be established in Australia. Other chapters eventually form in other parts of the country/continent.
In Spring of 1998, the Courage office moves to the Church of St. John the Baptist on West 31st Street, across from Penn Station and Madison Square Gardens in Manhattan. (30th Street entrance pictured here)
The venue for this conference is Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. The conference dates are July 30 – August 2. Mike Murray (Michael_brazell) at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“My Brother’s Keeper” is Courage’s first conference specifically for adult leaders of youth. The conference is held at the Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in Riverdale, NY on November 15th and 16th. Attendees include youth ministers, teachers, counsellors, and priests. Courage and EnCourage members are available as well, to assist and answer questions.
CMAC – the Courage Members’ Action Committee – is formed by dedicated members who wish to do more for the apostolate. This initiative leads to future Sports Camps, retreats, talent shows, a coffeehouse, plays, videos, and other inspired endeavours.
This conference is held August 12-15, 1999 at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Tirussell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On February 14, 2000, Fr. Harvey concelebrates Mass with Pope John Paul II in his private chapel. The next day Fr. Harvey meets the Holy Father again and tells him about the work of the Courage apostolate. Read more here.
The first Sports Camp is held in the Princeton, New Jersey area. This becomes an annual event.
This conference is held August 24-27 at the Mont Marie Conference Center in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The women of Courage hold their first private retreat on October 27 – 29, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This event proceeds to be held annually through 2005 and is then resurrected in 2016, after an 11-year hiatus.
The second “My Brother’s Keeper” conference is held November 12-13 at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Queens. NY. In addition to presenters, the event includes a play performed by CMAC members.`
This conference is held August 9-12 in Mundelein, Illinois at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center. Portraits of Courage, a much-awaited video produced by CMAC is premiered at this event. In subsequent years, the video is made available in DVD format. The Mundelein venue immediately becomes a favourite among attendees because of its beautiful surroundings and central location, and the annual conference returns to this venue many times over the years.
This year’s conference is held in San Diego, California, August 1 – 4, at the University of San Diego. Chris Palmer from San Diego, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On November 10-11, Courage hosts its third “My Brother’s Keeper” Conference at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Queens, New York.
On August 7-10, the conference is held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The October 6th, 2003 ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral marks the twentieth anniversary of Cardinal Cooke’s death. In accepting the award, Father Harvey says: “I am grateful for this award that recognizes the work of Courage leaders and Courage members over many years. Courage witnesses to the truth that persons with same-sex attractions can lead lives of holiness out of love for Jesus Christ.”
A Mexico City email contact is first listed on the Courage website in January 2004. This eventually leads to the development of Courage chapters and official recognition and support by the Mexican Bishops in July 2005. At present, there is a Spanish language version of the main Courage website, with listings of Spanish-speaking Courage chapters in several countries
Courage holds its fourth “My Brother’s Keeper” conference at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Queens, New York, on Saturday, May 15th. (photo: Google Maps)
This year, the conference returns to the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois, on August 5-8.
To celebrate 25 years of ministry, Courage holds this year’s conference in New York City, where the apostolate was born. The conference is held August 11 – 14 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, in the Borough of Queens. (screenshot from video by JJB Film)
On Monday, January 23rd, Fr. Harvey, Courage members, and friends of the apostolate participate in the 33rd Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., under a banner that reads “Pro Life = Pro Chastity”. The banner is sponsored by three pro-chastity groups: couragerc.org, lovematters.com, and reallove.net.
This conference is held at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, July 27 – July 30.
Courage members and friends again participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., with Fr. Harvey walking just ahead of our banner and setting the pace.
The conference is held at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois, August 2-5.
Fr. Harvey’s book Homosexuality and the Catholic Church – Clear Answers to Difficult Questions is published by Ascension Press in December 2007. Cardinal Raymond Burke says that “in these pages, Fr. Harvey helps us all to think more clearly and to act more rightly and lovingly…”
Courage celebrates Fr. Harvey’s 90th birthday at the community hall of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Manhattan. A video of Fr. Harvey’s life A Profile in Courage is shown for the first time to all in attendance, as a special screening for the occasion. The video is publicly released the following year.
The conference is held in Medway, Massachusetts on August 7-10, at the Marian Community Spiritual Life Center. (photo from betaniaii.org)
At the request of Fr. Harvey and with the approval of Bishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan, Fr. Paul Check is appointed to become the next Executive Director of Courage International. Fr. Harvey continues to serve the apostolate as Executive Director Emeritus, and works closely with Fr. Check over the next two years.
The conference is held at Villanova University, July 9-12, in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
The conference is held at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois, July 29 – August 1. This year’s conference celebrates 30 years of ministry.
After twenty-seven years in Manhattan, the central office moves to Norwalk, Connecticut on September 30th, 2010.
Fr. Harvey dies of natural causes on December 27th, the Feast of St. John the Beloved, at 3:00 p.m., the hour of Divine Mercy, at Union Hospital in Elkton, MD. The Mass of Christian Burial is held on December 31st at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington, DE, followed by interment at the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales’ Cemetery in Elkton, MD.
This year’s conference is held August 4-7 in Mundelein, Illinois, at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center.
This year’s conference is held July 19-22 at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Greenhonda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In October 2012, an email address for potential Courage members in Italy begins to appear on the main Courage website. Over the years, Courage quietly grows and maintains a presence there. At present, there is an Italian language version of the main Courage website, with contact listings for several cities.
The conference is held at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois, July 25-28.
The conference is held July 17-20 at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Sofia j, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In January, 2015, Fr. Philip Bochanski, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, begins his role as Associate Director of Courage International.
The annual conference is held July 30 – August 2 at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois.
Courage hosts what comes to be known as its first Truth & Love conference on August 10-12 in Plymouth, Michigan. The conference is entitled Love One Another as I Have Loved You: Welcoming and Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters with Same-Sex Attraction. Unlike the annual Courage Conference which is primarily for members of Courage and EnCourage, this conference is designed for all bishops, priests, religious, school superintendents, and diocesan personnel who minister to those with same-sex attraction and “for all those who want to be welcoming and to accompany those who have same-sex attractions.” (Screenshot from theinnatstjohns.com)
Courage International, along with Ignatius Press and the Napa Institute, hosts a second Truth & Love conference on October 2 in Rome, Italy, just before the start of the Ordinary Synod on the Family. The event is entitled Living the Truth in Love and features testimonials as well as presentations on pastoral theology, anthropology, and psychology. The Executive Summary of the event can be read here.
The annual conference is held July 21-24 at Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. (Screenshot from The Catholic University of America: Cultivating Catholic Minds)
Fr. Philip G. Bochanski is appointed the third Executive Director of the apostolate by the unanimous decision of its Board of Bishops. This takes effect on January 1, 2017.
This conference, sponsored by Courage International, Our Sunday Visitor, and the Diocese of Phoenix, is held January 9-11 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona.
This year’s conference is held on July 27-30 at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois. This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of EnCourage, and the annual conference is now officially referred to as the Annual Courage-EnCourage Conference, to acknowledge the presence of faithful EnCourage members who have participated in annual conferences, alongside Courage members, right from the start.
This year’s conference is held July 12-15 at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. In addition to being the thirtieth annual conference, it’s also the year of the 100th birthday of Fr. John Harvey, founding director of Courage. Accordingly, the conference is themed to honour this very special occasion: Artist Gary Hoff reveals his portrait of Father Harvey, and James Beer’s historical book Courage: A Ministry of Hope is made available.
Courage’s central office moves from Norwalk, Connecticut to Trumbull, Connecticut in July, right after the Annual Conference.
This conference, co-sponsored by Courage International and the Archdiocese of Hartford, is held October 22-24 at the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
The annual conference is held July 18-21 at St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois.
Fr. Philip G. Bochanski, Executive Director of Courage International, Inc., receives the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, conferred for his distinguished service to the Church and to the office of the Pope. “The thought that the Holy Father is willing to extend the award, knowing that my nomination must have had a lot to do with my work at Courage, means a great deal to me,” says Father in an interview with Catholic News Agency.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Truth & Love conference is held online, April 27-29.
To mark the occasion of its 40th anniversary of pastoral ministry, Courage International publishes the latest edition of its Handbook for Courage and EnCourage Chaplains on the Courage website. While the Handbook has undergone occasional revisions over the years, this edition is the first one to be published on the Courage website as an aid to helping not only Courage and EnCourage Chaplains, but all who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the spirituality, practices, and beliefs which lay at the heart of this apostolate.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference is held online, July 25-26. The online format results in a record number of registrants as members from around the world can participate without having to travel. Registrations come in from 42 states and 35 countries.
While the COVID pandemic prevents groups from meeting in-person, many Courage and EnCourage chapters temporarily switch to online video platforms, allowing members to continue sharing with each other and supporting one another.
On September 8, 2020, Fr. Colin Blatchford, a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville, becomes Associate Director of Courage International.
This year’s conference is held both in-person and online, July 15-18, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Again, the option to participate online results in a record number of registrants.
The conference is held in-person and online, July 28-31, at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois. The presentations are themed around the Five Goals of Courage, in particular goal number two which is shared by both Courage and EnCourage members: 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. (image: Lectrician2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Father Kyle Schnippel, the Chair of the Board of Directors of Courage International, is appointed acting Executive Director of the apostolate, effective June 3rd, 2023, as Father Philip G. Bochanski is appointed by Most Rev. Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, to the post of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The annual conference returns to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, July 27-30, and allows for both in-person and online attendance. In addition to Spanish-language talks and translations, simultaneous interpretation in Polish and Italian is offered to online participants for the first time. (Photo from Benedictine College website)
Fr. Brian Gannon, a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, begins his role as Courage’s new Executive Director on July 1, 2024. Fr. Gannon is a professor of Moral Theology at the Major Seminary in New York and pastor at St. Theresa in Trumbull, Connecticut.
The theme of this year’s conference is Divine Filiation. The event is held at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois, July 25 – 28.
The conference is held at Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania, July 31 – August 3. The theme of the event is Witnesses to Hope & Mercy.