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)
Cardinal Cooke’s inspiration
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.
A Spiritual Plan to Redirect One’s Life
The first meeting
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
Courage opens a central office
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
The office moves to midtown
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
The Courage to Be Chaste
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)
The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care
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 second Annual Courage Conference
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 third Annual Courage Conference
The third Annual Courage Conference is held at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 8-11, 1991. (Image from assumption.edu)
The fourth Annual Courage Conference
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
Courage reparation group starts meeting
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.
Courage is endorsed by the Holy See
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.”
Courage begins in the Philippines
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
The eighth Annual Courage Conference
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
The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful
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.”
The tenth Annual Courage Conference
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
“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.
The eleventh Annual Courage Conference
This conference is held August 12-15, 1999 at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Tirussell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The thirteenth Annual Courage Conference
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.
The fourteenth Annual Courage Conference
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
Fr. Harvey receives the Cardinal Cooke Medal of Peace
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.”
The seeds of Courage Latino are planted
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
The seventeenth Annual Courage Conference
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)
Courage participates in March for Life
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.
Homosexuality and the Catholic Church – Clear Answers to Difficult Questions
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…”
Fr. Harvey’s 90th birthday celebration
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 twentieth Annual Courage Conference
The conference is held in Medway, Massachusetts on August 7-10, at the Marian Community Spiritual Life Center. (photo from betaniaii.org)
Fr. Paul Check appointed to become next Executive Director
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.
A Profile in Courage is released
A DVD about Fr. Harvey’s life entitled A Profile in Courage (originally screened in 2008 at Fr. Harvey’s 90th birthday) is made available to the public through the Courage office. The documentary is also aired several times on EWTN, leading to greater publicity for the apostolate. See trailer above or watch the full film here.
Fr. John Harvey enters his eternal rest
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.
The twenty-fourth Annual Courage Conference
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
Courage Italia begins
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 twenty-sixth Annual Courage Conference
The conference is held July 17-20 at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Sofia j, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The first Truth & Love conference
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)
The second Truth & Love conference
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 twenty-eighth Annual Courage Conference
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)
The twenty-ninth Annual Courage-EnCourage Conference
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.
The thirtieth Annual Courage-EnCourage Conference
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.
Papal Honours for Courage’s Executive Director
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.
The fifth Truth & Love Conference
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Truth & Love conference is held online, April 27-29.
New Handbook is published on Courage website
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.
The thirty-second Annual Courage-EnCourage Conference
The thirty-fourth annual Courage-EnCourage conference
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)
Fr. Kyle Schnippel becomes Acting Executive Director
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 thirty-fifth Annual Courage-EnCourage Conference
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)