In Episode 16 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss repentance and forgiveness in the context of Catholic spirituality and 12-step recovery. They explore the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation, the importance of genuine remorse and taking responsibility, and offer practical tools and advice for dealing with unforgiveness and resentment. The episode also includes personal updates from the hosts and addresses a listener's question about navigating a spouse's drinking problem.

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Introduction

• Welcome and Introduction of Hosts
  • Scott Weeman (Founder of Catholic in Recovery)
  • Father Sean Kilcawley (Priest)
• Overview of Podcast Focus: Faith, Recovery, and Healing
• Today's Topic: Repentance and Forgiveness
• Shout-outs and Credits

Host Check-ins

• Father Sean Kilcawley's Week
  • Busy weekend at his parish
    • Town festival
    • Dunk tank, garage sale, parade
    • Going away party
  • Reflections on parish community and relationships with parishioners
  • Thoughts on leaving his current assignment
• Scott Weeman's Week
  • Friends visiting from Iowa (reunion of young adult group friends)
  • Work on the Catholic in Recovery mobile app
  • Discussion idea: What is Catholic in Recovery? (Potential future topic)

Main Topic: Repentance and Forgiveness

• Initial Thoughts on Repentance and Forgiveness
  • Forgiveness as a difficult practice for many Catholics
  • Distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation
  • Forgiveness as forgiving a debt (David Stoop’s perspective)
  • Forgiveness doesn't always mean restoring trust or relationship
  • Reconciliation requires both parties to want change and healing, plus repentance
• Repentance Defined
  • Repentance vs. Metanoia (conversion)
  • Repentance as feeling remorse for actions
  • Difference between genuine remorse and just wanting to be "off the hook"
  • Importance of owning actions without explanation or rationalization
• Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
  • Discussion of the parable in the context of repentance and forgiveness
  • The son's internal work and genuine repentance
  • Father's compassion and immediate forgiveness
  • Older son's reaction and resentment
• Personal Experiences with Repentance and Forgiveness
  • Father Sean's experience with making amends to his siblings
  • Experiences of people who avoid accountability and blame others
  • Confession as practice for final judgment (radical honesty)
  • Importance of radical honesty in 12-step recovery
  • Freedom that comes from ceasing to make excuses
• Self-Forgiveness
  • Difficulty with self-forgiveness vs. forgiving others
  • Refusal to self-forgive as rejecting God's forgiveness
  • Shame and past sins being magnified during recovery
  • Importance of owning past actions without worshipping them
  • "Super Mercy" (Jean Valjean example)
  • Trusting God’s mercy over self-condemnation
  • Practical actions: Meetings, prayer, helping others, 12 steps
  • Two-way prayer exercise
• Forgiveness as an Ongoing Practice
  • Forgiveness as a continual and swift action
  • Forgiving even if confrontation is not possible
  • Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean continuing a harmful relationship
  • Goal is transformation, not perfection

Mailbag Question

• Question from Charlotte: Drinking problem, husband doesn't believe there is one, fear for marriage
  • Discussion of whether the marriage is dependent on drinking
  • Advice to quit drinking regardless of spouse's actions
  • Seeking help for alcohol issues
  • Discussion of potential issues with family members after choosing sobriety
  • Focusing on personal recovery, not diagnosing others
  • Benefits of living sober for self and as an example for others

Closing and Blessing

• Encouragement to Subscribe to the Podcast
• Mention of YouTube channel and sharing the podcast
• Reminder of the Catholic in Recovery mobile app
• Father Sean Kilcawley's Blessing
• Thank you and farewell