Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 24, 2025 29 Courage, EnCourage Ministries support Catholics managing same-sex attractions, celibacy Catholics in the Diocese of Biloxi who experience same-sex attractions but want to live chaste lives in conjunc- tion with church teaching don’t have to face their challenges alone. Courage International, Inc. is an apostolate for men and women attracted to members of their own gender to sup- port their quest to live a chaste life, along with the group EnCourage , designed for the people in their lives -- family, friends, co-workers, etc. -- who love and support them. Founded by Father John Harvey, Courage began as an idea and need within the church in 1978, with the first meeting held in 1980 in New York City. EnCourage was formed in 1987, and in the Diocese of Biloxi Diocese, Courage and EnCourage were established as minis- tries in 2024. Father Mark Ropel, pastor of Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg, is committed to serve any member of the diocese who experiences same-sex attractions, or with establish- ing potential Courage and Encourage chapters; Betsey Sawyer Estrade of Gulfport serves as volunteer coordina- tor for EnCourage . Father Ropel was first approached by a parishioner about becoming engaged in the work of Courage ; he then learned more about the apostolate while attending a Courage conference and, after meeting with those involved in the effort, agreed to offer himself as a pastoral advisor throughout the diocese. The stated goals of Courage include living chaste lives according to the teachings of the church; following the traditional practices of the faith such as regular Mass attendance and frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist; fostering a spirit of fellowship with others who share their experiences and beliefs to establish a support- ive community; and being a positive role model for others. Father Ropel noted Courage ’s importance as “an initiative fostering a spirit of fellowship” so that Catholics and others “aren’t facing it (same-sex attraction) alone and can live lives that serve as good examples for others.” “I was so inspired by the people I met at the con- ference and their work that it convinced me to become involved and offer to do this in our diocese,” he continued. “Our Catholic faith is clear on intima- cy outside of marriage, regardless of context -- that it is forbidden. So, how do you live an authentic life and continue to stay true to your faith? That’s where Courage and EnCourage can provide support to meet that goal.” Father Ropel acknowledges the “unique situa- tion” Catholics who bear these feelings are in while also pursuing celibacy. “They’re asked to carry the cross, albeit in a unique way,’ he said. “But it is still carrying a cross. Through Courage and EnCourage , we can establish communities of support that can help our brothers and sisters fill a void to face this challenge, while also building a strong spiritual life.” The stated mission of EnCourage is to provide support and care for families and friends of individ- uals who identify as LGBTQ, and to encourage those family members and friends to “understand the experiences of their loved ones more deeply, to fos- ter healthy relationships within their families, and to deepen their own relationships with Christ.” Like Courage , its priorities feature a strong embrace of the Catholic faith and its teachings, while also shar- ing a love that values others, even those who do not share that same faith or beliefs; and developing a strong community of mutual support among family and friends who are connected to a person who experiences same-sex attractions. When a friend or loved one “comes out” to their friends and family about attractions to members of the same sex, “it can be challenging for some to navi- gate, especially within a family struc- ture and for practicing Catholics who adhere to Church teaching,” Estrade said. “How do you have a relationship with someone who lives contrary to your beliefs?” she continued. “We never want to ostracize or cut off relationships with loved ones because of differences in life choices, yet we also must under- stand and navigate what acceptance looks like.” Courage and EnCourage meetings will operate as “a place of security, con- fidentiality, and hope for those strug- gling to navigate their family relation- ships or friendships due to the complex- ities surrounding this specific issue,” Estrade noted. She hopes every parish in the diocese will offer the opportunity in the future to limit travel for those who can benefit from the ministry. For Father Ropel and Estrade, the ultimate objective of Courage and EnCourage is to advance the cause of love for one another, regardless of sexual orientation or the challenges facing all involved. “It’s important that the virtue of charity abounds in all relationships,” Estrade emphasized. “Yet, it’s extremely tricky to understand how to do so practi- cally in situations where loved ones have chosen roads contrary to another’s belief system. “To love someone is to ‘will their good,’ and to do so means to want Heaven for everyone,” she con- tinued, noting that “yet, when we are afraid, we often move towards control, and in doing so, we risk pushing others away. Courage and EnCourage offer a safe space for those who are navigating tricky questions, as well as an encouragement to go deeper through one’s faith to love even more.” For more information, including how to establish Courage and EnCourage groups at individual par- ishes, contact Father Ropel at ropesolt@yahoo.com ; contact Estrade at esawye1@gmail.com. Learn more about Courage and EnCourage at: https://couragerc. org/.