Courage/Encourage meet in Mundelein
The 13th annual Courage Conference meets Aug. 9-12 at the Center for Development and Ministry in Mundelein. Courage is a spiritual support group for Catholic men and women that helps them live in accordance with church teaching on homosexuality. Encourage supports their family members and friends. For information, write Dick Arnold at CDM, 1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, 60060-1174.

Big Shoulders holds first ‘Golf Classic’
The Big Shoulders Fund will hold its first Golf Classic Aug. 8 at Ruffled Feathers Country Club in Lemont. A golf foursome including breakfast, lunch and dinner is $1,600, and cocktails and dinner tickets are $100 each. The outing has slots for 36 foursomes, and organizers expect it to sell out. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program for elementary school children in inner-city Catholic schools. For information, call (312) 751-8337.

Youth conference registration deadline
Catholic high schoolers and their chaperones have until Aug. 20 to register for the National Catholic Youth Conference taking place in Indianapolis Dec. 6-9. “Hope at the Crossroads will provide a four-day experience of prayer, community and empowerment for an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 participants. The schedule includes liturgies, workshops, dances, exhibits, concerts and other activities, all allowing teens to meet others of their faith from across the United States. For more information, call Irene Friend at the Youth Ministry Office, (312) 491-3535.

Abbeys invite retreat participants
St. Bede’s Benedictine Abbey near Peoria, Ill., Gethsemani Trappist Abbey in Trappist, Ky., and the New Melleray Trappist Abbey near Dubuque, Iowa, will host live-in retreats this summer and fall. Participants will work and pray with the monks. Available dates include Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12 and Oct. 17-21. The retreats are free, but space is limited. For information, call toll-free (866) 548-3463.

Golden anniversary celebrations
Couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries in 2001 can celebrate at Golden Wedding Anniversary Masses Sept. 9 and 16 at Holy Name Cathedral, 751 N. State Street. Both Masses will be at 2:30 p.m. To register, couples should contact their parishes. For information, call the Family Ministries Office at (312) 751-8351.

Searching for Polish roots
The Polish Genealogical Society of America will present its 23rd annual conference, “ ... and the Research Goes On,” Oct. 12-14 at the Quality Inn-Heron Point at 645 W. North Ave., Lombard. For information or reservations, contact Bernardine Saelens at (630) 833-1355 or e-mail her at [email protected]