Diocese begins Courage chapter

A chapter of Courage, the Vatican-approved support group for persons with same-sex attractions, is being started in the Albany Diocese.

Courage is a nationwide program of spiritual growth that was begun in 1980 in the Archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Terence Cooke. It promotes five goals: chastity, fellowship, support, being a good example to others, and dedicating one's life to Christ through prayer, service and participation in the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard has authorized Rev. Jeffrey L'Arche, MS, to be moderator of the new group. Father L'Arche is also chaplain for Teresian House, an Albany nursing home, and director of Our Lady of LaSalette shrine in Altamont.

Finding 'Courage'

Respect for the anonymity of Courage members is one of the group's tenets, so "Paul," a founding member of the new chapter, asked to have his name withheld.

He told The Evangelist he had lived an active homosexual lifestyle for 20 years, believing that he should "embrace it fully." But he became uncomfortable with that: "The desires came before everything else; I was mastered by them."

Two-and-a-half years ago, he returned to church and Reconciliation. He met a priest who gave him guidance in literally "finding Courage" and began attending meetings at the Syracuse chapter.

Support system

Paul found the group, which he compared to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, "to be supportive and accepting of where I am without saying, 'You're fine and don't need to change.' I need to be guided to what's right and true. Courage is four-square in-line with Church teachings."

At Courage meetings (which will be held once or twice a month in the Albany Diocese), Paul shares his current struggles and successes on striving for chastity and learning patience. Topics like difficult relationships and work issues are also discussed as group members get to know more about one another's lives.

Being vulnerable and developing chaste friendships with others in the group has proven "not only possible, but necessary for me," said Paul, who added: "It's really spiritual support."

Gospel approach

Such support is what Father L'Arche hopes to bring to the table as moderator.

Having heard about Courage from people he met at various assignments over the years, he plans to emphasize "the Gospel approach to loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God," with a focus on spiritual direction.

Meetings will include discussion, prayer and readings from documents like the U.S. bishops' guidelines for ministry with homosexual persons (available at www.usccb.org).

Who can attend

Both Paul and Father L'Arche cautioned that the group is not for everyone; Father L'Arche pointed out that persons with same-sex attractions are as varied as the heterosexual community, and many don't even wish to be classified as homosexual.

Paul said that he has met Courage members who are married but struggling with same-sex attraction.

But they noted that Courage is open to anyone (of any faith, although most members are Catholic) who agrees with the group's five goals.

Courage "answered a strong need I had for support and guidance," Paul stated. "I doubt that I'm alone in this need. It's very hard to do this on your own."

(For confidential inquiries about Courage, call 496-4771 or email [email protected].)

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