Essays - Courage and Homosexual Desires People with homosexual desires have always been with us, however until recently there has been little or no action in terms of support groups or information. Most were left to navigate their own path to chastity. Many have found they are unable to do so and have succumbed to the pressures of an increasingly secular society, choosing to act on their desires in gay circles. Choosing this direction has stuck them in a lifestyle that brings no benefit to their existence. His Eminence Terence Cooke of New York, became aware of this difficult situation and in November 1978 decided to form a spiritual support system to help men and women with same-sex attractions living chaste lives. Knowing Fr. Given John Harvey's extensive ministerial experience in this field, he invited him to come to his archdiocese. With the help of Rev. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, (see photo) and others, Fr. Harvey began the Courage ministry with its first meeting in September 1980 at the Mother Seton Shrine in South Ferry. With the approval of the Holy See, Courage now has more than 95 chapters around the world, over 500 people participating in its ListServs and hundreds of people receiving assistance from its main office and website every day, it has become a traditional Catholic apostolate that helps thousands of men and women find peace through brotherhood, prayer and commitment to understanding and respecting the teachings of the Church. Courage's main office operates with the spiritual and financial support of the Archdiocese of New York, as well as the contributions and volunteer work of Courage members and others committed to advancing its efforts. Individual chapters around the world are self-sustaining and have the approval of their local archdiocese. In helping people gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the Church's teachings, Courage extends the Church's invitation to experience the freedom of a chaste life. In the chaste life one finds greater freedom, peace and grace to grow more deeply spiritually and mature in Christ. The September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has altered our perspective of the world we live in. A 19-year-old Courage member told Fr. Harvey, how he wishes to reach everyone in these days of mourning. In doing so, he found his friends so open.