COURAGE NEWSLETTER
July 2017
|
|
|
|
St. Monica's prayers for
St. Augustine inspire EnCourage
|
Courage/EnCourage
Annual Conference
Register by July 15
Mundelein, Illinois
July 27-30
Clergy Study Day - July 26
Celebrating EnCourage 30th anniversary
Speaker book signings with
Fr. Paul Scalia, Dan Mattson, and Matt Fradd.
|
|
|
Courage Welcomed at Landmark Leaders Event
|
|
|
Fr. Paul Check speaking at convocation |
Fr. Bochanski tweeted a photo of our former director, Fr. Paul Check, at a plenary session of the USCCB's Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando regarding pastoral care for those on the margins, including those who experience same sex attractions. Fr. Bochanski, Rilene S. (Courage), Chris C. (EnCourage), Dr. Michael Horne, and Bishops LeVoir and Seitz (both former chaplains) also took part in a breakout session on the same topic answering questions and discussing successful strategies. Many of the 4000 attendees visited our exhibitor booth to learn more about our work.
|
Our Director in the Media
|
Fr. Bochanski has been featured in several different Catholic media outlets in recent weeks getting the word out about the work of the Courage apostolate and the Good News of chastity for people who experience same-sex attractions.
|
This Chris Altieri interview was a significant opportunity for Courage as Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Vatican.
|
Fr. Bochanski's commentary for the
National Catholic Register was inspired by his prayer and reflection upon a visit to the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
|
An enthusiastic advocate for the goodness of Church teaching and for the work of Courage, Jennifer's interview with Father starts at 1:15:30.
|
Promoting Your Chapter in Your Diocese
A seasoned Courage member and advocate contributes Part 1 of a
series.
He writes about raising awareness of your local chapter by making connections with each individual parish and by establishing a relationship
with
key diocesan staff.
|
Atlanta Courage/EnCourage Open House
Saturday, July 15, in Atlanta, Georgia
|
Living Waters Leadership Training
July 22-28 in Kansas City, Kansas
Equips attendees for effective ministry to the sexually and relationally broken.
|
Healing Parents Retreat
August 11-13 in Littleton, Colorado
With Janelle Hallman and Desert Hope
.
A small group experience for parents of children with same-sex attraction.
|
Courage Fall Women's Retreat
November 2-5 in Northern New Jersey
Save the date.
|
Congreso Latinoamericano
de Courage Latino 2017
Del 17 al 19 de Noviembre
Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
|
Focus on Daniel Mattson
2017 Conference Speakers
|
|
Hear Dan's testimony in Desire of the Everlasting Hills |
|
Daniel Mattson, who many will recognize from our documentary Desire of the Everlasting Hills, is a Courage member who presents nationally on the Church's Good News of chastity for people who live with same-sex attractions. At our summer conference,
he will speak on
"Lessons Learned on the Journey of a Prodigal Son."
|
|
|
|
Dan's new book |
From the publisher's website: "
In this frank memoir, Mattson chronicles his journey to and from a gay identity, finding peace in his true identity, as a man, made in the image and likeness of God. Part autobiography, part philosophy of life, and part a practical guide in living chastely. Mattson's book is for anyone who has ever wondered who he is, why he is here, and, in the face of suffering, where to find joy, happiness, and the peace that surpasses all understanding."
Order book, Why I Don't Call Myself Gay From Cardinal Robert Sarah's foreword to book Catholic World Report interviews Dan about book Al Kresta interviews Dan on Ave Maria radio |
|
|
Susanna and the Elders by Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari |
|
The Anatomy of a Sin
Msgr. Charles Pope draws from the story of Susanna in Daniel 13 to consider three sources from which sin springs: suppressing one's conscience, distancing oneself from God, and dismissing the eternal consequences of sin.
|
EnCourage Father Writes in Catholic Newspaper
An article by Bernie S. was featured recently in the
National Catholic Register
where he shares the initial isolation he and his wife experienced upon first learning of their son's situation and then the great comfort and support of like-minded new friends in the EnCourage apostolate.
|
Adolescents and Same-Sex Attractions: Beware of Labeling
Fr. Paul Scalia, the Chairman of the Board of Courage, warns of the risks of labeling of oneself as "gay" or "lesbian," especially for the young. This
essay for
First Things is especially helpful for parents of teens who are just beginning to recognize feelings of same-sex attractions.
|
For clergy, parish and diocesan staff, catechists,
mental/medical health care professionals, and other pastoral ministers
|
New Report on the Problems with Puberty Suppression
"Increasingly, gender therapists and physicians argue that children as young as nine should be given puberty-blocking drugs if they experience gender dysphoria.
But a new article by three medical experts reveals that there is little scientific evidence to support such a radical procedure.
The article, "Growing Pains..." ... discusses over 50 peer-reviewed studies on gender dysphoria in children" (Ryan T. Anderson).
|
|
|
|
St. Mary of the Lake
|
Clergy Study Day
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Mundelein, Illinois
Included in study
day:
- Courage Member Personal Testimony
- Catholic Anthropology
- Psychological Aspects of Same-Sex Attractions
- Transgender Surgery and Christian Anthropology
- Complimentary Lunch
- Pastoral Care 1: Preaching
- Pastoral Care 2: Ministering God's Mercy
Stay for the entire Courage/EnCourage Conference on July 27-30:
No charge, but registration required:
|
|
|
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.
|
|