Courage is a support organization for persons with same-sex attractions who wish to live the virtue of chastity. It was initiated in the 1980’s by the late Father John Harvey, OSFS, and has chapters in many countries around the world. In 2011 it opened a chapter in Colorado Springs, with Father Mark Zacker and Deacon Matthew Brend as chaplains.
Courage espouses five goals: chastity, prayer, group support, chaste friendships, and healthy role modeling. It runs its meetings on the model of a 12-step group. It does not engage in reparative therapy or political activism. It assumes a distinction between same-sex attractions and same-sex activities. It acknowledges that, although the former may not be a matter of choice, the latter are. It seeks always to support the choice for a chaste self-restraint and a healthy self-giving.
Catholic spirituality begins with a sense of self-acceptance based on the love of God. That self-acceptance serves in turn as a basis and motive for self-improvement. Courage is about both. For more information, visit www.couragerc.net. To contact the local chapter, write courage@diocs.org, or call (719) 481-3511. “I can do all things in Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).