Courage/EnCourage
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Courage/EnCourage

Resources and support for those with same sex attraction, and their families.

About Courage

Courage, an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church, ministers to those with same-sex attractions and their loved ones. We have been endorsed by the Pontifical Council for the Family, and our beloved John Paul II said of this ministry, “Courage is doing the work of God!”

By developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual identity to a more complete one in Christ.  To help do this, five goals of Courage were created by members themselves when the apostolate was founded in 1980.  These goals are read at the start of each meeting and each member is called to practice them in his/her daily life.

1. Chastity: Live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality.

2. Prayer and Dedication: Dedicate one’s life 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.

3.  Fellowship: Foster a spirit of fellowship in which all may share thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone.

4.  Support: Be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life and in doing so provide encouragement to one another in forming and sustaining them.

5.  Good Example: Live lives that may serve as good examples to others.

 For more information on the worldwide Courage organization, please visit the Courage Apostolate website

 

Courage MKE, Courage Initiative Ltd., and The Courage House are not affiliated or associated in any way with Courage International, Inc. or any chapter of the Courage or EnCourage ministries of the Catholic Church.

About EnCourage

In addition to the Courage groups, our Apostolate also includes outreach to friends and family members, especially parents, of people with same sex attraction.  Sometimes this person may be a member of Courage; in many other cases, the homosexual family member has drifted away from the Church, and parents, siblings and friends struggle with how to stay faithful to the Church’s teaching and still be supportive of their loved ones. 

Through talking with people with same-sex attraction, we have come to see that, while everyone’s story is unique, there are some common experiences that many people with same-sex attraction share, many of them connected with childhood development and family life.  EnCourage provides a supportive environment in which to hear and evaluate this common story, which can often be difficult for parents to accept.  EnCourage can help loved ones to move past questions like “What’s wrong with him?” or “What did I do wrong?” and focus on the genuine love and patience that makes reconciliation and real friendship possible with God and others.

EnCourage draws family members together in much the same setting as a Courage meeting.  The group is formed around four important goals:

First, to promote a spirit of compassion and acceptance, both of one another in the group, and of the loved ones about whom they are so concerned.

Second, to form a commitment to a life of prayer, reception of the Sacraments, spiritual reading and meditation, and spiritual direction.

Third, to encourage their loved ones in the formation of chaste friendships, which can be the first step toward a deeper understanding of the virtue of chastity and the call to holiness.

Fourth, to witness by good example to others in their same situation, as well as to their loved ones with same sex attraction.

Becoming a Member

Interested in taking that first step toward living a chaste and more fulfilling life with Christ? Learn how you can become involved in the support of Courage.

Who Can Join?

Courage of Southeastern Wisconsin is open to Catholic men or women, age 18 and older, who struggle with same-sex attractions, desire support and healing, and are looking to live a chaste life in Jesus Christ.

Benefits of Joining

Men and women involved in our Courage chapter share many rewarding benefits:

  • greater understanding of SSA and homosexuality
  • ability to meet others and share in the struggle
  • ability to be heard and understood
  • access to an abundance of resources
  • emotional support
  • spiritual support
  • fellowship
  • the love and mercy of Our Lord, Jesus Christ

How Can You Join?

Joining our Courage chapter is just one phone call or e-mail away. All correspondence to us is directed to the chapter Coordinator and kept in strict confidentiality.

Desire of the Everlasting Hills Video

Watch Video on Vimeo

 

Contact Us

 

Doug Ulaszek
Associate Director of Evangelization & Catechesis
 Adult & Family
414-758-2211
ulaszekd@archmil.org

 

Tori Franke
 
Natural Family Planning Coordinator
414-758-2241
franket@archmil.org

Contact Courage/EnCourage of SE Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our website. We encourage you to contact us if you would like more information or are interested in being a part of our organization.

For Courage inquiries, please contact chaplain Fr. Nathan Reesman.

For EnCourage inquiries, please contact chaplain, Fr. Edward Sanchez.

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The Archdiocese of Milwaukee

3501 South Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235

Phone:  (414) 769-3300
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Fax:  (414)  769-3408