Courage is a group of Catholics within the Diocese of Lansing who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support. Courage members are guided by caring priest chaplains who offer reconciliation and direction for the spiritual life. Together they pursue the Five Goals of Courage, which were developed by the first Courage group in New York City in 1980 and still guide all of their meetings and work:
1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality. (Chastity)
2. 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. (Prayer and Dedication)
3. To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone. (Fellowship)
4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships. (Support)
5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others. (Good Example/Role Model)
Meanwhile, EnCourage was founded in 1992 to provide spiritual support for parents, spouses and other loved ones of people who are involved in homosexual relationships. In many cases, EnCourage members feel torn between accepting their loved ones who experience same-sex attractions, and remaining true to the teachings of the Catholic Church on the morality of homosexual actions. Guided by compassionate chaplains and supporting one another, EnCourage members pursue the Five Goals of EnCourage:
1. To grow spiritually through spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist;
2. To gain a deeper understanding of the needs, difficulties, and challenges experienced by men and women with same-sex attraction;
3. To establish and maintain a healthy and wholesome relationship with their loved ones with same-sex attraction;
4. To assist other family members and friends to reach out with compassion and truth, and not to reject, their loved ones with same-sex attraction;
5. To witness to their loved ones by their own lives that fulfillment is to be found in Jesus Christ through His Body, the Church.
* Want to know more about Courage or EnCourage? Contact (517) 342-2440 or e-mail courage@dioceseoflansing.org