Our Lady of Guadalupe,
the miraculous image imprinted on the cloak of St. Juan Diego on December 12, 1531.
"Since Our Lady carries the Lord in her womb, she appears as a pregnant woman, an expecting woman, a woman of Advent. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe depicts a dark ribbon above her womb, indicating that she is a woman expecting the birth of God's son. In fact, the Spanish expression for 'pregnant' is encinta, or literally 'adorned with ribbon' " (Fr. Eduardo Chávez Sánchez in Columbia, January 2009).
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Message from Our Director |
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The season of Advent, which began last week, draws our hearts of course to the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the newborn King on Christmas Day, it is a chance for each of us to be reborn, to respond to the call of Christ to “turn and become like children” so that we may “enter the kingdom of heaven” (cf. Mt 18:3).
Advent also reminds each of us that our vocation is, ultimately, the same as Our Lady’s — namely, to receive the Word of God into our hearts; to give everything we have and are, so that He may grow in us; and to give Him to the world. Perhaps receiving Christ as a little child is even more difficult than being received by Him in our own littleness. For the secret of Mary’s motherhood reveals just how much we have to give — and to give up — if Christ is really going to be born in us. The English Catholic writer Caryll Houselander put it this way:
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“The first giving of this love to a newly born child is the reshaping of our whole life, in its large essentials and in its every detail. Our environment, our habits, ourselves. The Infant demands everything ... our daily lives and every detail of which they are built up.
“The sound of our voice must be modulated — the words that we use considered, our movements restrained slowed down and trained to be both decisive and gentle. ...
“Everything that is superfluous and of no use to the Infant must be thrown out; only what is simple and necessary to him must remain, and what remains must be placed in the best position, not for us, but for him. ...
“There must be a new timing of our lives, a more holy ordering of our time, which is no longer to be ruled by our impulses and caprice, but by the rhythm of the little child. ... The rhythm of our own bodies must be brought into harmony with his.”
(The Passion of the Infant Christ (1949), p. 48)
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As Courage and EnCourage members, you continue to make many sacrifices in order to reshape your lives, simply because the Lord has asked you to. Adjusting the tone of your voice, and the words you say, can be difficult when communicating the truth feels so urgent. Restraining impulses and actions, bringing the life of the body and the soul into harmony with God’s will, takes perseverance and often involves suffering. Stripping your life of superfluous things, and choosing Christ above everything else, can be frightening, at least until it’s done.
The lesson of Advent, though, is that all of these sacrifices are more than worth it! By undertaking them with perseverance — and, yes, with courage! — we prepare a way for the Lord to enter our hearts, and through His presence in our lives to be more visible in the world. My prayer for you this Advent is that you will be renewed in your desire to receive Christ into your life as Mary did, with all the demands — and all the joy — that this great vocation entails
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Father Philip G. Bochanski
Executive Director
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News
- Don't Miss the Conversation: Join New Chat Groups Today!
- Courage Must Continue to Speak the Truth In Love
- Remembering Jim Beers, Author of Courage Memoir
- "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant," Bob C.
- Chapter Honors Longtime Chaplains
- New Chapters
Courage
- Zeal for Jesus Over All Else
- "Theosis: Our Sojourn to the True Self"
EnCourage
- "What Have I Received From EnCourage?"
- Home for the Holidays
- We Are Not Alone: EnCourage Fall Retreat in Ohio
Courage Internacional — For our Spanish-Speaking Members and Friends
- Courage/EnCourage Latino Conference in Mexico City
- December Newsletter in Spanish
Pastoral Resource
- Teaching Teens About Same-Sex Attractions
- RCIA and LGBTQ+: "How Do I Even Begin?"
Gender Identity Discordance
- Powerful New EWTN Series on the Transgender Movement
Events
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Don't Miss the Conversation: Join New Chat Groups Today!
Old forums will no longer be available in 2023
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Thank you to everyone who has already joined us in our new chat groups. Our new online chat groups allow people from all over the country and the world to support one another and provide community. We have chat groups for Courage and EnCourage members, so fill out the registration if you’d like to join us there. Our old forums will close at the end of the year. Unfortunately, this feature is no longer supported by our website server and, therefore, will no longer be available. If you are on the old forums, please join us in our new chat group as soon as possible. This community is thriving, and we want you to join us! |
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Courage Must Continue to Speak the Truth In Love |
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In a letter mailed to our friends, our executive director, Father Philip Bochanski, reminded us that a core part of the mission of Courage is to continue to speak the truth in love.
One way to share in that mission is to amplify our message on social media by following us and then liking, retweeting, and sharing our content.
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Another way to support our mission is with your kind donations. |
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Remembering Jim Beers, Author of Courage Memoir |
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Faithful and beloved Courage member, James A. Beers, passed away peacefully on October 16 ( obituary). A member of Courage for thirty-two years, Jim was encouraged by Fr. John Harvey, O.S.F.S, the founding director of Courage, to write the history of the Courage apostolate. Before Father passed away, he gave Jim access to Courage records and several interviews. Jim's labor of love, his book, Courage: A Ministry of Hope, was published in 2018.
May Jim’s soul rest in eternal light, refreshment, and peace. +
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"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant," Bob C. |
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Bob C., a dear friend and ardent supporter of Courage and EnCourage, passed away in Colorado on November 15 ( obituary). Bob and his wife Susan were very active in EnCourage, attending their first conference in 1996. They worked with their bishop and local priests to establish EnCourage in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, volunteering as lay facilitators for the chapter for over twenty years. They also served as national coordinators for EnCourage, leading the EnCourage meeting at several annual conferences and communicating personally with countless concerned parents. They distilled their consistent message into "The Four P's" which they shared with many EnCourage members through the years: Pray, Prepare, Persevere, and Proclaim. |
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The funeral Mass for Bob will be on Friday, December 9, at 10 a.m. Mountain
Time at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument, Colorado. If you would like to send your prayers and condolences to Susan, please email us, and we will send you her contact information. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Courage to be used for EnCourage efforts. Please let us know that your gift is in memory of Bob C. either by including a note with your check ( mail-in donation form) or by following up with an email if you make an online donation. |
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Bob and Susan generously shared their story and insights in numerous ways including in-person testimonies, television appearances, documentaries, and writing. Here are just two examples: |
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Chapter Honors Longtime Chaplains |
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Father Rich Dyer, the current Courage chaplain for the Diocese of Arlington, texted us some nice photos of their chapter's tribute to two outgoing chaplains. (Don't hesitate to send us your chapter news so we can share it with the Courage and EnCourage family!) |
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Father Paul Scalia and Father J. D. Jaffe have recently stepped away from serving as regular chaplains for the diocese, although they plan to remain available for occasional meetings and spiritual direction. In gratitude for their many years of service, the chapter commissioned icons of Saint Charles Lwanga, done by a Courage member. |
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Courage & EnCourage around the world |
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Zeal for Jesus Over All Else |
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Garrett Johnson, a member of Courage, tells his story on The Simpleton Podcast. People in his life pushed him to claim his identity as "gay," and he walked that path for a time. Now he has a different perspective — one that has helped him live a much more fulfilling, truthful, and Catholic life. He and host Clark Massey also discuss many other things, including how to live chastely, how to be a supportive parent to a child who experiences same-sex attractions, and how to speak the truth with love, along with talking about the importance of the apostolate of Courage.
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Subscribe, like, and share to spread the word.
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"Theosis: Our Sojourn to the True Self"
Hope to be found in the universal call to a transforming union with God
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Max Bridges, a man who has lived with the experience of same-sex attractions, wrote a beautiful reflection on the Truth & Love blog about his journey to joy and peace through a deeper surrender to God: |
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You see, as I have progressed through my conversion and trials as a Catholic, my biggest stumbling block has been a struggle with same-sex attraction. Though those words may sound ugly to some — I have learned that while it is certainly a trial and a cross — the joy of Easter Sunday comes to those who persevere in seeking a transformative perfect union with Christ — divinization. For so long, I despaired of both my life and my salvation in attempting to give these things over to God. What life would I have? Would it be possible to remain steadfast? Why couldn’t God give me instantaneous healing? Did God abandon me to a horrible life and eternal self-separation thereafter from him? The answer to all of these questions is very simple: no! |
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The Truth & Love blog features experts who offer their insights into sexuality, gender, chastity, and pastoral care. Subscribe by clicking "Update profile" at the bottom of this email.
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"What Have I Received From EnCourage?" |
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An EnCourage mother from the Midwest has taken the time to enumerate the blessings she has obtained through her participation in EnCourage. She shares them on our blog: |
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A place to tell our story – When a family member first comes to our EnCourage group, he or she is given as much time as needed to tell their story. In my case, I probably spent an hour or more on the phone with one of the facilitators before the first meeting, and I’m sure I monopolized that meeting once I got there. Since then, I’ve been honored to witness other first-timers tell their stories. Many of our kids seem to experience a weight lifted from them when they “come out”. In the same way, family members also have a weight lifted by having a place to tell their story, and even a place to rant, rage, and cry. |
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The Upper Room blog is where Courage and EnCourage members and chaplains share their stories of God's work in their lives. Go to CourageRC.org > Resources (dropdown) > Blog. Subscribe by clicking "Update profile" at the bottom of this email.
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Among the most difficult practical challenges faced by EnCourage families are those surrounding family gatherings to which their loved one would like to bring their same-sex partner. Father Bochanski addresses some frequently asked questions that are especially common during the holidays in this timeless episode of the EnCourage: A Family of Hope video series:
- 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)
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We Are Not Alone: EnCourage Fall Retreat in Ohio |
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In October, parents from several states with children who identify as LGBTQ+ gathered at an Ohio retreat house for an EnCourage retreat. There they were blessed by inspiring talks about hope from Courage associate director, Fr. Colin Blatchford; testimonies from both a Courage member and an EnCourage member; time with the Lord in prayer and in His beautiful creation; and deep fellowship (and a bit of fun!) with others walking the same path. Here is some feedback from attendees:
"The EnCourage retreat setting gives parents the opportunity to speak with, to share with, and to listen to others that are experiencing the same pains and hurt that we are."
"The EnCourage retreat helped us focus on our faith and spirituality. … Love is our focus. Love of God and love for our loved ones."
"Attending offered the opportunity to begin trusting that God has not left us — including our children."
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For our Spanish Speaking Members and Friends |
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Courage/EnCourage Latino Conference in Mexico City
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About one hundred Spanish-speaking members of Courage and EnCourage participated in the XVI Courage/EnCourage Latino Encuentro (Conference) that took place on November 18–20 in Mexico City, very close to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Participants came from different dioceses from Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador, while other members from various countries joined virtually on Zoom. The conference began with a Mass celebrated by Father Philip Bochanski, Executive Director of Courage International.
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December Newsletter in Spanish |
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Teaching Teens About Same-Sex Attractions |
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Tough Topics (T 2) is an educational program for teens on difficult cultural issues. It can be used by parents, catechists, and youth group leaders to equip young people, not only with an understanding of the Church's wisdom on a topic but also with the capacity to offer genuine love and support without compromising this truth. The Tough Topics session on same-sex attractions features a video of Courage chaplain and board member, Fr. Paul Scalia addressing a high school class on the subject, as well as a testimony from Courage member, Paul Darrow, excerpted from Desire of the Everlasting Hills .
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RCIA and LGBTQ+: "How Do I Even Begin?" |
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Hudson Byblow is a Courage member who lives with same-sex attractions and a history of gender identity discordance. Thus he is able to offer an important perspective on how to communicate the truths of our faith on these matters, which can be challenging for people considering becoming Catholic. |
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The other day someone asked me, “How do I even begin to address the LGBTQ+ topic in my RCIA class? There are people who are struggling with this topic and what they think the Church teaches, and I’m not sure where to start, aside from reading what the catechism says. Any ideas?” |
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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* |
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Powerful New EWTN Series on the Transgender Movement |
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EWTN recently aired a powerful new five-part series that "reveals the hidden cultural forces behind the 'gender affirming' campaign presently sweeping the nation. Host [and Courage board member], Mary Hasson, chronicles the issues now confronting the family and how the Church can respond." The series is now available for viewing anytime on demand.
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Cultural overview with Ryan Anderson Ph.D.
- Gender-affirming gender-affirming medical interventions with Deacon Patrick Lappert, M.D. (also a Courage chaplain)
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Theological perspective with Theresa Farnan, Ph.D.
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Impact on children with Maria Keffler
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Pastoral care with Father Philip Bochanski
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Episode 1 features Dr. Ryan T. Anderson on cultural changes and controversies. |
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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.
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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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Courage Men's Retreat
January 27–29, 2023, in Stamford, Connecticut
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Courage & EnCourage South Retreat
March 24–26, 2023, in Birmingham, Alabama
Save the date!
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Courage & EnCourage Conference
July 27–30, 2023, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas
Save the date!
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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.
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