and religious brothers. PWC helps to further the Church's teachings on homosexuality
and to minister to those who struggle with same sex attraction. PWC can also include
priests, seminarians, deacons, and brothers who deal with same sex attraction themselves.
The men in PWC commit themselves to being loyal to the Holy Father and the
Magisterium, to a life of prayer as the most effective means of healing with
homosexuality, and to spread the truth about homosexuality to a fallen world.
If you are a priest, deacon, seminarian, or brother who deals with same sex attraction, we
hope this site can give you consolation and inspiration in your special mission to carry the
cross of homosexuality. Many of the articles on this site are written with you in mind.
- Supporting Courage, the Catholic Church's only pontifically approved ministry
which is specifically committed to providing spiritual support for persons with same-
sex attractions who are striving to live chastely. Direct those who are seeking help
to Courage, and their families and friends to EnCourage. Show your support by
getting involved in a Courage or EnCourage group, and if there aren't any groups in
your areas, consider starting them. - Praying for those who experience homosexual temptations, whether they live an
actively homosexual lifestyle or are striving to live chastely, and offering Mass as
often as you can for all who struggle with homosexuality. - Treating men, women and youth who experience same-sex attractions with
"respect, compassion and sensitivity" (Catechism of the Catholic Church,
#2358). This involves accepting them for who they really are - men and women,
sons and daughters of God, and not referring to them as "gays", "lesbians" or other
reductionist terms. - Getting informed about the issue of homosexuality. The number of men and
women dealing with homosexuality in your parishes and in your cities is not
negligible. The Church cannot ignore them or the issue. The spiritual and physical
lives of too many are at stake. Know what the Church really teaches from the
Scripture, the Catechism, and the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (see the
Teachings section on this website for more information). - Speaking up about this issue publicly and privately. Speaking up does require
Courage - not everyone will be glad to hear the truth, but everyone needs to hear it.
Fear not, as Pope John Paul II so often admonishes. And know that the men and
women at Courage are praying for you!
Courage, an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church, ministers to those with same-sex
attractions and their loved ones. Courage has been endorsed by the Pontifical Council for
the Family, and our beloved John Paul II said of this ministry, "COURAGE is doing the
work of God!"
The following five goals of Courage 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.
1. Live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on
homosexuality. (Chastity)
2. Dedicate ones life 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)
3. Foster a spirit of fellowship in which all may share thoughts and experiences, and so
ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone. (Fellowship)
4. Be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a
chaste Christian life and in doing so provide encouragement to one another in forming and
sustaining them. (Support)
5. Live lives that may serve as good examples to others. (Good Example)
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