AscikCHARLOTTE — People in the Diocese of Charlotte who experience same-sex attractions and want to cultivate the virtue of chastity can now seek support and spiritual guidance from a new chapter of Courage International.
Courage accompanies those who experience same-sex attractions through a ministry of faith and fellowship without being judged for how they feel.
It illuminates the value of chaste friendships and dedicating one’s life to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, and prayer – and provides a community so participants are not alone as they seek to align their lives with Church teaching.
“Temptations are all around us – lust, pride, greed, envy – and everyone must navigate these temptations, no matter what your orientation,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. “It’s important to provide support for everyone striving to live holy lives, and Courage reaches out to people who may feel particularly marginalized because of who they feel attracted to. This ministry lets them know the Church is here for them.”
The idea for Courage dates back to 1978, when Cardinal Terence Cooke of New York saw the need to serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of his same-sex-attracted flock. In recent years, Courage has seen a rapid expansion of chapters worldwide: in the U.S. alone, Courage sponsors 340 chapters, up from 247 chapters just six years ago.
Father Peter Ascik said the diocese initiated the local chapter earlier this year after watching the success of a related ministry called EnCourage, which began here in 2022 to support family members and friends of those who identify as LGBTQ.
“As Pope Francis said, the Church is called to be a field hospital, so we’re called to accompany people in all kinds of life situations,” said Father Ascik, director of the diocese’s Office of Family Life.
“Because of increasing attention to this issue,” he said, “there is also an increased need for a ministry that models a truly Catholic response to our brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction. Courage provides accompaniment and addresses people’s questions and experiences in light of the fullness of truth revealed by Jesus Christ.”
The Church teaches that sexual activity is reserved between a man and woman in marriage, with openness to children, Father Ascik said. The Church also teaches that people who experience same-sex attraction should be treated with “respect, compassion, and sensitivity” and that they, like all Christians, are called to live chaste lives.
CarlsonFather Michael Carlson, parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, agreed to serve as chaplain for the local chapter after recognizing the positive impact Courage can have on people’s lives.
He said he attended a conference in Rome, called “Living the Truth in Love,” where participants shared that “Courage was helpful in their lives because it helped them to embrace the Church’s teachings.”
Courage is open to men and women 18 and over. It holds monthly meetings at discreet locations to provide privacy.
Father Carlson provides pastoral care, the sacrament of confession, teaching and guidance. He encourages members to “foster and live out” the five goals of Courage, which call for members to strive for chastity, to live “Christ-like lives” through frequent prayer and Mass attendance, and to develop strong, chaste friendships.
“I find that often there is confusion regarding both what the Church teaches as well as the place within the Church for those who experience same-sex attractions,” Father Carlson said. “Courage boldly proclaims the authentic teaching of the Church while pastorally accompanying these sons and daughters of hers.”
Courage doesn’t seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender expression, Father Carlson stressed. Rather, Father Ascik added, participants are asked to strive to conform their lives and their actions to the call of Christ – as all Christians are.
“The deepest level of Christian friendship,” Father Carlson said, “would be two individuals trying to assist each other in their growth and walk with Christ.”
EnCourage provides similar support and resources for Catholic family members and friends of those who identify as LGBTQ. Deacon Peter Tonon founded the local chapter after hearing requests from parishioners.
Tonon“The purpose is to provide a faithful community and a ministry of presence for people who are often going through a deep element of suffering in dealing with their loved one’s experiences,” said Deacon Tonon, who serves as chaplain for EnCourage.
The ministry, he says, helps participants understand and cope spiritually with their loved ones who identify as LGBTQ – and respond to them with compassion and tools to preserve strong relationships without forsaking their own faith.
Both ministries seek to foster hope and provide spiritual uplift.
“When sexual temptations are involved, people tend to be embarrassed and ashamed, whether they are same-sex-attracted or not,” Monsignor Winslow said. “They are often left feeling isolated, alone, and afraid to talk about these very real challenges of their Christian journey. Through the Church, Courage reaches out to some of those who are facing such challenges, because no one is meant to walk alone.”
— Christina Lee Knauss
Get involved
To learn more about Courage and EnCourage in the Diocese of Charlotte, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..