Courage International, Inc. is an apostolate of the Catholic Church which offers pastoral support to men and women experiencing same-sex attractions who have chosen to live a chaste life.

Founded in 1980 by Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, at the request of the late Cardinal Terence Cooke, it has since expanded to over 155 Courage chapters worldwide.

On November 28, 2016, Courage International, received canonical status in the Roman Catholic Church as a diocesan clerical public association of the faithful, making it the only canonically-approved apostolate of its kind.

The Spirituality of Courage

Rooted in the priestly heart of Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, whose spirituality was born of a profound personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, and inspired by the Oblates of Saint Francis deSalesʼ fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the spirituality of Courage reflects the urging of the Saint to “Live Jesus.”

The Five Goals of Courage

The Five Goals 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. Here are the Goals in their entirety:

1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality (Chastity);
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2. To dedicate our entire lives 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);
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3. To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone (Fellowship);
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4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships (Support);
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5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others (Good Example/Role Model).

What is Courage?

The Spirituality of Courage

The Five Goals of Courage

Resources