Parish Letter02

COURAGE February 2008 [Pastor Name] [Church Name] [Street] [City, State ZIP] Dear [Salutation]: I am pleased to send you a brochure and newsletter from Courage, the Catholic support group for persons with same-sex attraction striving for chastity. I urge you to consider informing your parishioners about Courage. In its first year, the Albany chapter of Courage has received over 30 calls from individuals and requests for brochures from parishes. Ten of those individuals have been meeting twice a month. At these meetings, the men have grown to trust and support each other in living chaste lives. They also strive to grow closer to Christ by bearing their difficulties together. Courage is exclusively a program of spiritual growth. It is pledged to confidentiality, respecting the anonymity of members. Courage Misunderstood. Some think that Courage recommends that its members try to develop heterosexual attractions. That’s not the case. Courage’s aim is to help persons with same-sex attraction develop a life of interior chastity in union with Christ. Few members choose to pursue heterosexual development. If any wish to do so, Courage helps them keep as their first priority the deepening of their Catholic faith and obedience to Christ. On behalf of the group, I thank you for your interest in Courage. We need your support to continue to serve homosexuals who, having carefully considered their same-sex attraction, have decided to pursue chastity. Informing parishioners through notices in your parish bulletin would also be appreciated. A possible notice: COURAGE: A support group for persons with same-sex attraction striving to live chaste lives. For confidential inquiries, 518-4964771 or [email protected] A postcard is enclosed for your convenience in requesting additional brochures or requesting members of the group to speak to your group or parish.

518-496-4771 • P.O. BOX 9562 • SCHENECTADY, NY 12309

COURAGE Sincerely in Christ,

Jeffrey L’Arche, M.S

518-496-4771 • P.O. BOX 9562 • SCHENECTADY, NY 12309