On Thursday, May 7, a group of ten (10) parents, hosted by the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) and facilitated by Fr. Matthew Ragbir, gathered again for a deeply moving session built around the book “When a Child Comes Out”, sharing stories, struggles, and the quiet courage it takes to love unconditionally. What unfolded was not simply a discussion —…
The moment a child comes out — whether through a heartfelt conversation or a discovery that leaves you breathless — can feel like standing at the edge of unfamiliar territory. For many Christian parents, that moment brings not just love and concern, but a cascade of questions: about faith, about family, about what comes next. That is exactly why a…
EnCourage members are parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ. They are looking for help to keep the faith and keep the family bonds intact. A parent shares their experience: “When my daughter suddenly moved out to live with her same-sex attracted girlfriend, the pain was crushing. I had gone from being someone that she would…
When my daughter suddenly moved out to live with her Same Sex Attracted girlfriend, the pain was crushing. I had gone from being someone that she would tell everything, to not being able to see her, or even talk to her on the phone. Equally crushing was my self condemnation. Didn’t I see the signs? Shouldn’t I have taken her…
EnCourage is a spiritual accompaniment group for parents, family members, and friends of persons who experience same-sex attraction. This confidential support ministry, sponsored by the Archdiocese, offers a safe space for those seeking to navigate their faith while maintaining loving relationships with family members. At the recent October meeting, Sr. Gilmary, RSM, a member of the Courage Office who serves…
“Our role as parents is to keep our family members close to God, keep praying. Our role is not to judge, it is to love.” This was expressed by one parent at the monthly online EnCourage meeting held on February 17. At this meeting an intriguing short video entitled ‘The Hidden Shrine’ was shown. It is set in Wales sometime…
“I find these EnCourage meetings helpful…. It gives me some clarity.” This can be a deeply disorienting experience for parents so yes, God wants us to get some direction in our faith experience as we navigate this” contributed one parent at our last online EnCourage meeting for the year on November 25. At this session, there was a viewing and…
