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October 2024

The Vision of Saint Teresa of Avila by Francesco Cozza, 17th century


Saint Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun, was named the first female Doctor of the Church for her writings and teachings on prayer, which are known to be of great theological value. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15.

Message From Our Executive Director

Dear friends,


On October 16th, 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope, the first non-Italian in over 400 years. Initial news reports were confused; some declared that an African or far eastern was elected. The newly elected John Paul II came to the loggia of St. Peter’s and spoke, with great intuition, very encouraging words to the jammed crowd in the piazza. He joked about “your”, but then self-corrected, “our Italian language.” The crowd roared, recognizing the new relationship he had with the city of Rome, the people of Italy and of course the entire world. He knew by accepting this great task God would work through him, not against him.


Relationships are the key to life, first and foremost ours with God. The beauty of the infinite love of God, His mercy and His infinite sacrifice on the cross, caused a supernatural earthquake that changed our relationship with Him forever. By becoming man Our Lord showed us what true love is. Not just spoken words of mercy, but communicated stunningly through bearing the colossal burden of our collective sinfulness on His back. John Paul’s intuition was great; he knew we needed encouraging words of hope and security in a time of upheaval in the world. And we need those words more than ever these days. Those words are forever embedded throughout Scripture, “before you were in the womb I knew you,” and even “if a mother would forget her child, I will never forget you.” We examine our consciences, we realize we must repent, we find our sin frustrating, a ball and chain, pushing us to despair. We realize that no matter how much the world exhorts us to create relief by denying that our sins are sins, we know that the weight of the cross can only be taken away by One who tells us the truth, who was scourged and crucified for our sins, and that worldly “sweet nothings” do nothing to relieve the burden. Only surrender to the One who corrects us, loves us and died for us. In his opening inaugural Mass homily, John Paul II intensely declared: “non abbiate paura!” (Be not afraid!) Come to the Lord, for “His mercy endures forever.” “Come to Me all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest, for My yoke is easy and My burden light.” His yoke: be ready to be challenged to truly love by repentance and self-denial rather than self-indulgence. His consolation: “My Father and I will come to him, and we will reside in him.”


The forgiveness of sin and the never-ending patience of God, when embraced, leads us to an incredible new relationship with Christ. Ask any Courage member, it is the willingness to surrender to God that achieves the greatest victory! Forgiveness, peace of soul, healing from past sins, and the road to eternal glory.

In Christ,

Father Brian Gannon

Executive Director


News

2024 Annual Conference Continues to Inspire

(Videos Available Now!)

We are so excited to share that videos of the speakers at our 2024 Courage and EnCourage Annual Conference are now available on our website! Click here to check them out, and be sure to share with anyone you know who wasn't able to join us.

In addition, on August 17, Catholic News Agency highlighted the Annual Conference in an article titled "'Courage' a Catholic ministry for those with same-sex attraction, offers healing and support." Featuring an interview with associate director Fr. Colin Blatchford, as well as quotes from several of the events' speakers, the article paints a picture of the hope, encouragement, and sense of community provided by the conference.


Read the article in its entirety here!

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Mark Your Calendar for the 2025 Annual Conference

Monthly Prayer Intentions for Courage and EnCourage

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We invite our members to pray each month for a specific intention related to our apostolate. We encourage you to consider praying for these intentions at your local Courage and EnCourage chapter meetings.


The upcoming monthly intentions are as follows:

  • October: That we may be faithful witnesses of the Gospel
  • November: To respond generously to the call to holiness
  • December: In thanksgiving for the gift of being God's children


See complete list of monthly intentions

New Chapters and Ways to Stay Connected

NEW CHAPTERS:


WAYS TO FIND SUPPORT: 

Courage & EnCourage 

around the world

General Resources

Ascension Begins Podcast Series on "Story of a Soul"

On October 1st, Ascension began the release of its third season of its "Catholic Classics" podcast. This season, lasting for 28 days, will guide listeners through "Story of a Soul," the treasured autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. St. Thérèse was a Carmelite nun in the eighteenth century who lived a life she called "the little way," recognizing herself as just a small flower in God's garden, but one that catches His loving eye nonetheless. Her way of living has inspired countless faithful, and this podcast is sure to bring her story to even more who need her encouragement.


Read more about the podcast here.

Courage

Member-led Book Study in Slack Chat Group

A Courage member has begun a new channel within the Slack chat group for a book club, and all are welcome to join. In his words:


"The Courage Book Club is a space where we not only explore thought-provoking books, but also dive into Bible study and enjoy genuine fellowship. Each meeting is a chance to share our stories, support one another, and reflect on God's Word in a relaxed, welcoming environment. While we're still finalizing a set schedule, the group is growing, and we'd love for you to be a part of it! If you're seeking meaningful conversations, spiritual growth, and a diverse, international community, join us today!"


Register to join the chat group here!

Learning to be Alone

It's easy to let the feeling of loneliness cast a shadow on one's spirit. However, as the description of this throwback Fr. Mike Schmitz video says, "Being alone isn't supposed to be scary... Fr. Mike Schmitz shows us how solitude can be an invitation and doesn't have to lead to loneliness. God himself has revealed to us how he is a relationship of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Made in his image, we are also made for relationship - with God and with one another. When we feel alone, it is because we were made to give ourselves to others as God gives himself to us."

Watch the video here

Visit The Upper Room blog to read more from

Courage and EnCourage members and chaplains

EnCourage

Home for the Holidays

Some of the most challenging practical matters faced by EnCourage families are those surrounding family gatherings to which their loved one would like to bring their same-sex partner. In this installment of our EnCourage video series, originally released in 2021, former executive director Father Bochanski addresses some common difficult questions:

  • My son or daughter has told me they wish to bring their partner to our home for the holidays. Should I let them come? (0:11)
  • How do I explain to my young children about their older sibling having a same-sex partner? (5:32)
  • How should I treat my son or daughter's same-sex partner? (8:06)


View "Home for the Holidays"

Check out the entire EnCourage: A Family of Hope playlist

Visit our YouTube channel for lots of helpful content like this video

Subscribe, like, and share to spread the word.

For Spanish Speaking Members and Friends

Chat Group for Spanish Speaking Members Now Open on Slack

In August, Courage Internacional (the Spanish-speaking branch of Courage) officially opened their Spanish speaking chat groups on Slack! If you speak Spanish and would like to be a part of this new chat group please follow the link below to fill out the registration. See their announcement in Spanish below: 

 

El 28 de agosto, memoria de San Agustín, Courage Internacional abre oficialmente sus grupos de chat en español, al servicio de los capellanes y miembros del apostolado, a través de la plataforma Slack. 

 

Estos grupos de chat son una gran forma de permanecer conectados como hermanos en Cristo. En este espacio podrán compartirse historias, anécdotas, intenciones de oración, hacer preguntas y, sobre todo, apoyarse mutuamente en la vivencia de las Cinco Metas de Courage y EnCourage.   

 

Para acceder a los grupos de chat, regístrate en el siguiente enlace: https://couragerc.org/chat-groups-overview/?lang=es 

October Newsletter in Spanish 

Read the October newsletter in Spanish

Subscribe to the Spanish language newsletter

Courage Internacional website in Spanish


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RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL

Couragerc.org/español | Contáctanos

Para suscribirse al boletín en español | Archivo

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Pastoral Resources

Faithful and True

Faithful & True has over 30 years of experience in the treatment of sexual addiction, treatment for spouses, and guidance for persons experiencing betrayal trauma. Associate director Fr. Blatchford recommended their workshops as a resource to consider referring Courage members to. The organization has a Women's Journey Workshop this month, and several more lined up for 2025.


Learn more about it here.



Person and Identity Project Releases Pastoral Handbook

The recently published book Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders was designed to assist Catholics doing pastoral work and ministering to children and families caught up in a destructive ideology. Its contributors include Mary Rice Hasson, Fr. Kyle Schnippel, Dr. Patrick Lappert, and many others well known by Courage International.


Learn more about the book and order a copy here.



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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Resources

Conference videos

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Events

2024 EVENTS

Man, Woman, and the Order of Creation Conference

October 24-26, 2024

Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) & Livestream

Find more information and register here

Day of Recollection - Orlando, Florida

October 26, 2024

Find more information and register here

Day of Recollection - Southern California

October 26, 2024

Find more information and RSVP by emailing CourageCA.LosAngeles@gmail.com

Southern California Courage-EnCourage Retreat

November 15-17, 2024

Find more information and register by emailing CourageCA.LosAngeles@gmail.com

Check out an article by Catholic Vote about this event

2025 EVENTS

Courage Men's Retreat

January 17-19, 2025

Southern Connecticut

Save the date; more information coming soon!

Courage and EnCourage Annual Conference

July 31-August 3, 2025

Neumann University, Aston, PA

Save the date; more information coming soon!

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.

Photo credits:

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.

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