Every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Because of this, we all have inherent dignity. Made as male and female, our sexuality is integral to our lived experience and our witness to the truth about who God is and his great love for us. We cannot separate our sexuality from our hopes, our desires, our worries, our work, or our beliefs. For those who experience same-sex attraction, gender incongruence, or struggle to embrace the fullness of their sexuality, and for the family and friends who care deeply about them, we offer a variety of resources that provide support, guidance, and prayerful accompaniment.
Ministering to persons with same-sex attractions and gender incongruence
Courage
The Five Goals were created by the members themselves, when Courage was founded. The goals are read at the start of each meeting and each member is called to practice them in daily life. Here are the Goals in their entirety:
- To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality (Chastity);
- 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);
- 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);
- 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);
- To live lives that may serve as good examples to others (Good Example/Role Model).
Meetings
Please reach out to the chaplain to inquire about where you fit in to all of this or whether you want to join a meeting.
Encourage
In recognition of the irreplaceable role of the family in attaining an understanding of the experience of same-sex attractions and embracing a life of chastity, EnCourage was founded. As an apostolate of Courage, and flowing from its central purpose, EnCourage provides pastoral care to family members and friends of persons who identify as LGBT. Here are the Five Goals of EnCourage:
- 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;
- To gain a deeper understanding of the needs, difficulties, and challenges experienced by men and women who experience same-sex attractions;
- To establish and maintain a healthy and wholesome relationship with their loved ones who experience same-sex attractions;
- To assist other family members and friends to reach out with compassion and truth, and not to reject, their loved ones who experience same-sex attractions;
- To witness to their loved ones by their own lives that fulfillment is to be found in Jesus Christ through His Body, the Church.
Meetings
3rd Tuesday of the Month
6:30pm
Zoom and In Person
Eden Invitation
Eden Invitation creates space to receive the whole person, grow systems of mutual support, and empower for creative discipleship. We are disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, building community with others who desire a way of life in congruence with Christ and His Church. To learn more or find community, please visit https://www.edeninvitation.com/.