Pentecost, artist unknown, in the Alberto Sampaio Musuem in Guimarães, Portugal. | |
Message from Our Director | |
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What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? ... I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call on the name of the LORD (Psalm 116:12,17).
I am so grateful to Almighty God for all the blessings I have received through my involvement with Courage International, especially during these last eight and a half years in the Courage Office. As I prepare to return home to Philadelphia, I want to thank all of you — members, friends and benefactors of the Courage and EnCourage apostolate — for your prayerful, generous support during this time. Second only to my decision to enter the seminary in the first place, my "yes" to serving Courage International has been the best and most important "yes" of my priesthood, and I genuinely could not have remained faithful to it without you.
This is also a time to remember and thank my collaborators in this ministry:
- The Bishops who have served as members of our Episcopal Board, the governing authority of our apostolate, have taught me a great deal by their constant example of spiritual fatherhood to all of us.
- The members of our Board of Directors have been prudent advisors and a strong support amid the many situations — some joyful, some difficult — that we have faced together. They have also been a source of encouragement for me personally, and I consider it a privilege to call them friends.
- I would try to list all of the things that my team in the Courage Office —including those who work remotely — do to assist and support me day by day, but I think they do most of it so well and so seamlessly that I don't even know about it. I will always be grateful to have spent these years working alongside them. I am gratified to know that, as Father Colin Blatchford assumes the day-to-day duties in the Courage Office, they will be as good to him as they have been to me.
- My fellow chaplains around the country, and throughout the world, have been a source of inspiration for me. It has been such a privilege to see their zeal for spiritual fatherhood, as well as the fraternal bond that draws us together from such diverse backgrounds and situations.
- Most of all, the members of Courage and EnCourage have taught me so much about the fatherhood of God, and the spiritual fatherhood that forms the cornerstone of my priestly life and ministry. What I know about pastoral care, accompaniment, the life of grace, prayer, and so much more has been shaped, amplified and honed by the time I have spent with them. Their gift of themselves, and the way that they have shared their lives, their stories, and their hearts with me, I will always hold as a priceless treasure.
I remember vividly the morning in January 2015 that I drove to Connecticut to begin my new role as associate director alongside Father Check. As I put the car in gear, I thought of the motto that appears on the state flag of Connecticut, beneath an image of grapevines: Qui transtulit sustinet, "He who has transplanted, sustains." It seemed a good sentiment to keep in mind, as God in his providence transplanted me from Philadelphia to the diocese of Bridgeport for this unique opportunity for ministry.
But He has done much more than sustain me; the work He has accomplished for me, through you, has borne incredible fruit in my life. So, how shall I thank the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation — my cup that overflows with joy and gratitude — and call on the name of the LORD (Ps 116:13; cf. 23:5). When I call on Him, be sure that you will always have a special place in my prayer, a permanent place in my heart.
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Father Philip G. Bochanski
Executive Director
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Executive Director Transition | |
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. | |
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News
- Annual Courage & EnCourage Conference — July 27–30
- Can You Help With Conference Scholarships?
- Featured Conference Speaker: Leyden Rovelo-Krull
- Fr. Lloyd Celebrates 75 Years of Priesthood
- Courage Chaplain Offers Workshops
- New Chapters
General Resources
- Courage Novena to Martyrs of Uganda
- "Pride Month": A Catholic Perspective
- Courage and EnCourage members on Catholic Radio
Courage
- Living Your State in Life When You’re Single
- "I Delight in You"
- Not the "Whore" but the Woman at the Well
EnCourage
- Separate the Personal from the Political
- Parents Nourish Spiritual Soil, but Only God Can Convert
Courage Internacional — For Spanish-Speaking Members and Friends
- May Newsletter in Spanish
Pastoral Resources
- Clergy Conference on Gender Dysphoria and Ideology in Cincinnati
- Pre-Conference Courage Clergy Study Day
Gender Identity Discordance
- Bishops Offer Guidance on Gender Identity Discordance
- Clarity in a Confused World Forum on Transgender Phenomenon
- Book: Desist, Detrans and Detox Your Children: Getting Your Child Out of the Gender Cult
Events
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Annual Courage & EnCourage Conference — July 27–30
Registration open – Sign up today!
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Registration is now open for 2023 Annual Courage & EnCourage Conference which will take place at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The theme this year is "Courageous Love Made Perfect: The Eucharist in Action." Visit the conference website to sign up and to see the schedule, speakers, and talk topics.
New this year will be simultaneous translation in Italian and Polish for online participants. See the conference page under "Online Participation" for details on how to take advantage of this opportunity.
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Can You Help With Conference Scholarships?
Help someone attend by donating any amount toward a scholarship
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Each year we give scholarships to those who need extra financial assistance to attend the annual conference. If you are unable to attend the conference or want to support someone who is attending the conference, please consider making a donation toward our scholarships.
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On the donation page of our website, you may make a donation in any amount. Please also send an email to office@couragerc.org to let us know that you would like your contribution to be used for scholarships.
- When you register for the conference, add a scholarship donation in the amount of $50, $100, or $400.
Thank you for helping Courage and EnCourage members attend this years annual conference.
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Featured Conference Speaker: Leyden Rovelo-Krull
"Charisms: At the Service of Our Neighbor"
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Leyden Rovelo-Krull is the director of of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. She is also a presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute's Called & Gifted program, which helps Christians recognize their spiritual gifts so as to become channels of God's goodness for others. Her presentation at our summer conference will be entitled "Charisms: At the Service of Our Neighbor." | |
Leyden gave a reflection for an online retreat on the nature of God's love and our response to Him. | |
Fr. Lloyd Celebrates 75 Years of Priesthood | |
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Father James Lloyd, CSP, who served for many years as the chaplain of the Manhattan Courage chapter, celebrated the 75th anniversary of his ordination with a Mass of thanksgiving on May 1. There were three bishops present along with several priest concelebrants (including our own Father Bochanski) plus many religious and lay people. He preached a compelling homily with the energy and clarity of a man half his age, including some words of appreciation and affirmation for Courage:
I met the great Fr. Harvey — brilliant, compassionate — who led multitudes of people into holiness, out of darkness and shame. … I met these beautiful same-sex attracted people who understand something — that love means sacrifice — they are linked; you cannot separate them. These beautiful people … understand that Jesus said, "Unless you pick up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."
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Courage Chaplain Offers Workshops
Seeks to equip pastoral ministers and the faithful with truth and love
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A workshop called "Proclaiming the Splendor of the Truth with Love" was presented in English and Spanish at St. Ann parish in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, May 6. Father Richard Samour, the Courage and EnCourage chaplain for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, shared information on the Goals of Courage and the teachings of the Church on homosexuality, allowing additional time for questions. Father has offered this kind of workshop multiple times in order to provide formation and to promote the apostolate of Courage to catechists, lay ministers, and other interested members of the faithful.
Seventy-five people attended the English session and forty-five participated in the Spanish program. Among the attendees were parish leaders, religious education directors, and priests. St. Ann's pastor, Father Ricardo Ramirez, attended, and the DRE, Kristina Piñero, coordinated the event.
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Courage & EnCourage around the world | | |
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Courage Novena to Martyrs of Uganda
June 3 is the Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
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The patron saint of Courage is Saint Charles Lwanga. He was one of the "thirty-one brave African Christians [who] sacrificed their very lives as a result of their refusal to participate in their pagan King’s acts of homosexuality." These words are from the opening paragraph of the Courage Novena to the Martyrs of Uganda, which a Courage member shared with us. The novena includes a summary of their story, some powerful opening prayers and hymns, and then a short biography and prayer to each of the martyrs.
The introduction concludes: "Today, Christians of all denominations, striving to remain chaste amid the experience of same-sex attractions, and to win the freedom of life in Christ, look in awe at these brave men who could have remained alive on this earth had they consented to their King’s desires. Their powerful statement for the sacredness of chaste mature manhood encourages all people of good will now and in all the ages to come."
"What we are doing is not worthless.
Let us give our lives for the sake of the truth."
(antiphon in the novena from Psalm 31.)
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"Pride Month": A Catholic Perspective | |
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"For many people across the United States and beyond, the month of June denotes what's come to be known as 'Pride Month.' What, though, is 'Pride Month'? What does it hope to achieve? And what is a Catholic perspective on all that?"
Those questions, listed in the description of an episode of the Diocese of Lansing Podcast, were just a few of the subjects covered in a conversation between David Kerr, Director of Communications for the diocese, and Father Philip Bochanski.
Watch "Pride Month: A Catholic Perspective"
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Courage and EnCourage Members on Catholic Radio | |
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Our apostolate was featured on the How We See It show on Tampa Bay's My Spirit Catholic radio. Jerry, a local Courage member, and Suzann, a local EnCourage member, were guests on the show. They talked about the goals of our apostolate and shared some of their own experiences.
Listen to Courage and EnCourage members on Spirit FM
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Living Your State in Life When You’re Single | |
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In one of her weekly Raphael Remedy videos, Catholic therapist, Allison Ricciardi, offered some good counsel to singles. Here's her introduction to the video:
We’re all called to live our vocation according to God’s plan for us. Our state in life is a good guide, but for singles it isn’t always so clear. Is there a vocation to the single life? If you feel called to marriage but are still single, how do you live your vocation?
View "Living Your State in Life When You’re Single"
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In a video from Redeemed Online, Avera Maria Santo shares an impassioned short testimony about her experience of same-sex attractions and finding her identity in Christ. Here's an excerpt:
I remember going into adoration and asking, "God, why me? What did I do? … Do you hate me?" … All the while, I kept hearing in my heart, "I delight in you. I love you. You are my daughter. There is nothing you could ever do to make me remove my love for you."
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Not the "Whore" but the Woman at the Well | |
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Courage member, Garrett Johnson, wrote an insightful personal reflection for Crisis Magazine on how God does not see people as "gay" but as His sons and daughters. Here's an excerpt:
In His kindness and love for the woman [at the well, Jesus] doesn’t say, “Believe me, adulteress,” or “Believe me, whore.” He calls her what God created her to be, a woman (which is also the term He uses for His own Blessed Mother in the Gospel of John). He does not call her what her sin has made her. This example set by Jesus reminds the Church how to approach and communicate with those living in sinful situations. If we label them as their sin, as the culture does, we may cut off their ability to escape this false identity and reclaim their God-given one.
Read Garrett's "The Whore at the Well"
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Separate the Personal from the Political | |
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During the month of June, the battles in which we are engaged as a culture are especially evident. Catholic therapist, Allison Ricciardi, has some terrific suggestions that are particularly applicable to EnCourage members. Here's an excerpt:
I think it’s important that those who seek to uphold Christian values, who seek to counter the insanity and immorality of this culture, make a distinction between the political movements that foment such confusion and those individuals caught up in it, especially our family members and loved ones. Their beliefs and behaviors may be right in your face and challenging you. You may be tempted to react and throw word bombs right back at them. You may feel shame and grief. You may wonder where you failed and what you can possibly do now to help them.
Read "The Personal and the Political"
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Parents Nourish Spiritual Soil, but Only God Can Convert | |
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MaryRuth Hackett, an educational psychologist who specializes in Catholic parenting, wrote a short piece for SpiritualDirection.com. Here is a key paragraph:
Although the role of the family is important, spiritual growth itself is not a family activity. It is a deeply personal connection to the Divine. As a parent, you introduce your child to the faith, and you live your faith life infused in everything you do, but you can not control or direct your child’s relationship with the Lord. Father Jacque Phillipe says, “A plant can’t be made to grow by pulling it up." It can be tempting to want to pull our children up spiritually when in reality we simply need to nourish their spiritual soil. You nourish their soil when you nourish your own, and you live a life of prayer and discipleship.
Read "Only God Can Convert"
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For Spanish Speaking Members and Friends | |
May Newsletter in Spanish | |
Clergy Conference on Gender Dysphoria and Ideology
June 19-22 in Cincinnati – Covers moral, pastoral, and legal perspectives
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Father Kyle Schnippel is the chairman of the board of Courage and will begin serving as our acting executive director on June 3. He highly recommends this conference being hosted by Mount St. Mary Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati to all clergy, especially Courage and EnCourage chaplains.
Conference description:
The Continuing Intellectual Formation Summer Conference for 2023 is on Gender Dysphoria and Ideology. It is for priests and deacons in good standing. Gender dysphoria and the ideology that drives it has a growing impact on the culture, schools and the Church. The impact on families and parishioners is also growing. This conference is intended to provide a ‘How did we get here?’, ‘How big is it? ’and to provide the beginnings of ‘How to deal with it.' The conference will also provide opportunities for discussion with fellow priests and deacons as well as the speakers on gender dysphoria. Finally, the conference provides an opportunity to have time away for prayer and camaraderie.
Who: Priests and deacons
When: Monday, June 19 (check-in 3 - 5 p.m.) – Thursday, June 22 (lunch)
Where: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio
Conference information and registration | Schedule | Speaker bios
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Come to the Pre-Conference Clergy Study Day …
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Benedictine College in Atchinson, Kansas
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This day of presentations for priests, deacons, and seminarians includes talks on the following foundational topics as they relate to same-sex attractions and gender identity discordance (gender dysphoria):
- Catholic anthropology
- Pastoral care
- Witness from Courage member
- Transgender surgery and Christian anthropology
There is no charge for the study day! We want to make it easy for you to come.
See details on schedule for clergy study day
… and Stay for the Courage & EnCourage Conference
July 27-30 on "Courageous Love Made Perfect: The Eucharist in Action"
There is a charge for clergy attendance at the general conference.
Registration for conference and clergy study day now open!
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The conference page includes clergy day information,
speaker bios, schedules, and registration information.
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Truth & Love, an initiative of Courage International, is a multifaceted Catholic resource for anyone seeking the tools to support men and women who experience same-sex attractions. | |
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Gender Identity Discordance* | |
Bishops Offer Guidance on Gender Identity Discordance | |
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In April, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley released a pastoral letter entitled "On the Unity of the Body and Soul: Accompanying Those Experiencing Gender Dysphoria." He introduces the letter with an explanation of Catholic anthropology. He calls the Church to walk with persons who identity as transgender in their pain and suffering, "bear[ing] witness to the truth inscribed in every human body and [doing] so with great love." There are special sections of the letter addressed directly to persons who experience gender dysphoria and to parents of children with this difficulty.
Likewise, Bishop Peter Christensen wrote a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Boise to introduce a document called "A Catholic Response to Gender Identity Theory" which provides both catechesis and policy recommendations. The document includes sections on Catholic anthropology and gender identity theory. It closes with a section entitled "Whole Person Affirmation: A Catholic Response," which begins, "A response to gender identity theory that is both truthful and loving cannot end with simply stating what Catholic institutions won’t do. Catholics must also articulate what we will do by offering a positive vision of the human person and a path of accompaniment for gender-questioning youth and their families."
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Clarity in a Confused World
A Forum on the Transgender Phenomenon Influencing Our Culture
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The Respect Life Committee of St. Peter Catholic Church in West Brandywine, Pennsylvania, hosted an exceptional series of talks last October entitled "Clarity in a Confused World." It featured nationally-respected speakers as well as Philadelphia Courage chaplain, Father Chris Rogers, who thought the Courage and EnCourage audience would be interested in the content. Here is a list of the presentations: | |
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- The Cultural Landscape: Where We Are and What’s at Stake
- The Amazing Design of Our Bodies
- Jesus: The Incarnate Revelation of the Father’s Mercy
- Medical Transition: The Facts About Gender Affirming Care
- PA Government & School Policy: Seeking the Good in the City in Which You Live
- Protecting Our Children & Families From Transgender Activism
- I Was A Trans Kid
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Desist, Detrans and Detox Your Children
A book about Getting Your Child Out of the Gender Cult
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Maria Keffler, an author, speaker, and teacher with a background in educational psychology is a co-founder of Advocates Protecting Children, which helps individuals, families, churches, and organizations navigate gender ideology. She has written a valuable book for parents that equips them with the necessary tools to pull their children out of the gender cult. | |
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Courage and EnCourage and Gender Identity Discordance
While the primary mission of Courage and EnCourage remains supporting people living with the experience of same-sex attractions and those who love them, we thought it could be helpful to our readers to occasionally set aside some space in our newsletter to address this topic. For more resources, on the Truth & Love site, go to Resources > Health & Well-Being > Gender Identity Discordance.
* For an explanation of the expression, "gender identity discordance," and coverage of the subject, see the Handbook for Courage and EnCourage Chaplains starting on page 81
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Gender & Sexual Identity Virtual Conference
June 5–8, 2023
Online conference hosted by Ruah Woods Institute
Info and registration
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Courage & EnCourage Annual Conference
"Courageous Love Made Perfect:
The Eucharist in Action."
July 27–30, 2023
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas
Conference page (speakers, schedule) | Brochure
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EnCourage Retreat
September 29–October 1, 2023
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Save the date!
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Watch our Events Calendar regularly for updates.
NOTE TO CHAPLAINS: You are encouraged and more than welcome to participate in all Courage & EnCourage events. Please feel free to reach out to the event organizer to see how you can be involved.
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Disclaimer: Courage does not necessarily fully endorse all of the ideas included in resources that are not produced by Courage, but we still like to share items that we and our members have found to have considerable helpful content. | | | | |
