Have Courage! Be Encouraged!

06-23-2024Pastor's LetterVery Rev. Richard C. Wilson, VF, Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is a fact that many of us have family or friends that struggle with same sex attraction. As I have said before, we must love them, pray for them and lovingly speak the truth to them. It is critical then that all of us should be aware of the ministries of Courage International.

Courage International was founded by Father John F. Harvey, OSFS, (1918-2010). In his thirty years of ministry with the Courage apostolate, Father received a lot of resistance within some dioceses to the promotion of clear Catholic teaching on chastity and homosexuality. Nevertheless, he faithfully persisted in the mission that was given to him by Terence Cardinal Cooke. Through much prayer, hard work, sacrifice, and the support of the faithful, the Courage apostolate grew to become an international ministry under Fr. Harvey’s tireless leadership, despite opposition in many quarters.

Courage International then is an apostolate that seeks to help men and women who experience same sex attraction and who have made a commitment to strive for chastity. The are inspired by the Gospel call to holiness and the Catholic Church’s beautiful teachings about the goodness and inherent purpose of human sexuality.

Through the apostolate, people who experience same sex attraction receive pastoral support in the form of spiritual guidance, community prayer support and fellowship. For more information concerning a Courage Chapter near you, please contact Father John Zimmerman at 843-610-1321 or at jzimmerman@charlestondiocese.org

Within Courage International, there is also another apostolate called EnCourage. EnCourage members are parents, spouses, sibling and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ. They are looking for help to keep the faith and keep their family bonds intact.

EnCourage members work together to understand the experiences of their loved ones, and to respond to them with compassion. They know that it is possible to express love for someone even if we can’t support all of their choices or actions. They find spiritual guidance to grow in their relationship with Christ, and community support from other members that helps them remember that they are not alone on this journey. For more information on how to get in contact with an EnCourage Chapter, please contact Deacon Peter Tonon, at encourage@rcdoc.org