And this is how it began...

It was 2016 and three devout Catholics (referred to in this history as "A", "C", and "S" .)were searching separately for support for our difficult journey. In unique ways we each found Courage International. After months of great sadness , "C" discovered the video Desire of the Everlasting Hills on the Courage website and was moved to tears having found the Catholic support she longed for but did not know existed. "A", had never heard of the Courage Apostolate. After many years of struggling on his own, a priest referred him to a nearby group where he discovered he wasn’t alone in his journey. There were others with almost the same exact story and same exact goal. He finally found freedom, camaraderie and relief.

When two of her sons were pulled away from their faith and into the gay and transsexual culture, "S" was aching to find someone to share her grief. The Family Life office of the diocese helped her connect with EnCourage. By God's grace these three connected with the determination that no one should have to travel this difficult journey alone. With the blessing of Bishop Gregory Parkes, the local chapters of Courage and EnCourage began meeting in December of 2016.

Both groups meet once a month in Hillsborough County at a centrally located church. Father Bill Santhouse served as the first Courage and EnCourage Chaplain. Our chapter has been blessed with a succession of good and holy chaplains including Msgr. John Cippel, Msgr. John Lipscomb, Fr. Alex Padilla, and Fr. James Gigliotti.

Bishop Parkes and Deacon Wells have supported this apostolate by helping us spread the word to all the parishes of the diocese. Bishop Parkes invited Fr. Phillip Bochanski of Courage International, to address the priests of the diocese at their annual convocation. The apostolate is included on the diocesan website DOSP.org. We have been interviewed by Deacon Mike Sweeney on Spirit FM's "As We See It" program. The Gulf Coast Catholic online newsletter has featured two articles showcasing the details of Courage (March 4, 2024) and EnCourage (December 20, 2022).

The first Courage and EnCourage Day of Recollection was held in February 2018 at the Bethany Center in Lutz, Florida. Members from around the state were welcomed to the peaceful setting and quiet reflection with Msgr. John Cippel. Days of Recollection continue to be held annually in a variety of locations around the state.