Updates on the COVID-19 Pandemic
as it Relates to Our Apostolate
A Message from Our Executive Director
Finding our hope and our peace in the Lord
Dear Friends,

I've lost count of how many times I've read and reread the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew: the Sermon on the Mount. I'm sure that parts of that important text are very familiar to you as well. But in the last two weeks, it feels like I'm reading the Sermon on the Mount with new eyes, as passages that I once brushed by suddenly take on a new meaning. For example:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink. ... Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? ... Indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:25-34).

These days of pandemic and quarantine, social distancing and disconnection from the sacramental life of the Church, certainly test us in many ways. Perhaps most difficult is the way that this situation tests our hope in God and His Providence. For the first time in my life, I honestly don't know what to expect to happen tomorrow, and feeling like this can easily lead to worry, anxiety, stress, and a host of questions, doubts and fears. I think you understand what I'm talking about. But these worries, though real, are by no means the last word. As Catholic Christians, as members and friends of Courage and EnCourage, we have an answer.

Truth & Love Conference Will be Held Online
April 27-29 webinar registration now open
The Truth & Love Conference has officially been moved online and will be conducted as a webinar on the same dates as originally scheduled. We are grateful for the opportunity to move forward with this important conference and provide formation to those involved in the care of persons who experience same-sex attractions and gender dysphoria and to make it accessible to a wider audience. The price has been reduced to a flat fee of $75.
Join us as we mark
the 100th birthday of
Pope Saint John Paul II
by naming him the
official patron of Truth & Love
Changes to Upcoming Courage & EnCourage Events
In compliance with the latest guidelines to suspend gatherings of 10 people or more, we have reviewed and updated the status of all events scheduled through mid-May. The plan is to move some events online, while other events may be postponed or cancelled. If you had been planning to attend any of these events, please check our events calendar and also review the recommendations on our coronavirus updates page. Check back for updates regarding events scheduled for later in the year.
Update Regarding the Annual Conference
As of this time, we are moving forward with plans for the July 23-26 Courage & EnCourage annual conference in Mundelein, Illinois, at which we will kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations of our apostolate. We will keep you updated regarding registration and other important developments. 

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is changing from one day to the next. We are continually monitoring the situation with the pandemic as it develops and will keep you posted on any impact it may have on the conference.

Be sure to visit our Annual Conference page for more information.

Staying Connected When We Can't Meet in Person
It is our sincere hope that our chaplains and members will be able to stay in touch during the pandemic so that everyone is able to continue to receive needed support. While we have not mandated that chaplains cancel local Courage or EnCourage meetings, it is likely that many meetings may be cancelled at the direction of the local diocese or at the discretion of the local Courage or EnCourage chaplain. We encourage local chaplains to consider using conference calling or video chat when in-person meetings cannot be held. 

Additional support is available through a number of means:

We'd be happy to hear from you with your ideas on how you are supporting one another and cultivating your spiritual life in this challenging time. We look forward to sharing some of your creative solutions in our social medial outlets.