Take Heart!
Coraggio!

Dear Reader,

All of us here at Greater Love are working hard to help those who are struggling with their sexualities or know people who are. However, we know that there will be a lot going on in your life that we won't be there to help you with when you need it. We also know that you need more than information, you need a family of friends to help you carry your cross. “Within the ecclesial family no member should suffer through being in need.” - Pope Benedict XVI (Deus Caritas Est)

Thankfully, Mother Church, in her Love and Wisdom, has already drawn together many people just like you into a family and this family is already on standby to help you! This family was drawn together though the creation of the Ministries Courage and EnCourage.

"Courage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support." While "EnCourage members are parents, spouses, sibling and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ. They are looking for help to keep the faith and keep their family bonds intact."

We at Greater Love cannot recommend the ministry, Courage, highly enough. Today, it is truly the best kept secret of the Church. But it shouldn't be! That's why we're telling you about it here.

While Courage and Encourage are very good at maintaining the anonymity of its members, perhaps the best services are the in person communities that they offer all over the world through local Courage Chapters and Encourage Chapters.

Many of us here at Greater Love have found much fellowship, security and love through our participation at our local chapters and at the annual Courage and Encourage Conference. And we want you to have that experience as well!

The best way to contact Courage is to send them an email here or to call them at (203) 803-1564. You don't have to give your name or your story. They will be happy to only answer any questions you have.

If you're still not sure what you're in for, we highly recommend watching the documentary Desire of the Everlasting Hills. This documentary, created by Courage, will give you insight into the sort of people you can expect to call family once you decide to join Courage or EnCourage.

Here's a testimony from Aaron on his experience with Courage:

Growing up as a teenager, my struggle with my sexuality was a secret that burned me as I held it close. And, though I looked everywhere, it felt like God had failed to give me anyone who could help me with this burning. My Father was homophobic and chancing the alienation that would have come from telling one of my peers was hardly a consideration.

The only people who I ever told were the odd priests in confessionals. Many of them were not of much help. But in those confessionals every few years there would be a word the priests would whisper through the grate....Courage...Courage...

Occasionally I looked into the organization of Courage as a teenager, but for various personal and practical reasons I never reached out to them. I came close... I distinctly remember more than one occasion where I was literally hiding in a closet at home, holding my phone, the number for Courage dialed in, but fearful to press the call button.

It wasn't until much later when I was 23 that I actually had the courage to make the call. How I wish I had made it sooner!

A friendly voice on the other end picked up. The stress I was feeling was probably overwhelming because I hardly remember anything about that call except the fact that the voice was reassuring and kind...and that he suggested that I attend the upcoming Courage Conference to experience Courage for myself. So I did.

In 2014 I bought a ticket from Illinois to Pennsylvania. I told no one I was leaving, not my parents, and not even the person who would drive me to the airport until the evening before the flight. Before anyone noticed I was gone.

After a plane, a train, and a walk with luggage, I somehow found myself outside of the University where the conference was held.

Timidly I walked into the welcome center, found my badge, and followed the crowd from event to event.

I had many conversations there, with men, and women, priests and religious sisters. And all of these conversations gently led me to drop my defenses and begin to trust these new family members. But there's one conversation I remember with particular clarity.

The second day of the conference there were some sessions where courage men and women would break out into groups specifically for members of Courage. But since I had only arrived there the day before I didn't attend any of these since I didn't consider myself part of Courage and didn't know what it meant to be part of Courage. Later that day during lunch I told the others at my table the reason why I had missed the events. From across the table an older women reached out and put her hand on mine.

She asked me: "Are you committed to living the chastity God wants for you...regardless of what that looks like?

"Yes," I said.

She shrugged and replied, "Then you're already a part of Courage."

And just like that, I could tell I was with friends and family. I haven't looked back since.

Whoever you are who are reading this. Know that I love you and I don't want you to be alone. And I extend to you an invitation to join me in this family.

Your background doesn't matter. Your age doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you're missing your teeth or your eyebrows or your mind. The members of Courage are here for you to help you be the best version of yourself. And because most of them are going to understand your struggle better than almost anyone else, this means they will understand you better than almost anyone else. And because they will able to understand you so well, they will also be able to love you all the better.

Don't let yourself be alone any longer. We are here waiting for you.