In Episode 17 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss common misunderstandings Catholics have about 12-step recovery, emphasizing how faith and recovery can work together. They address various misconceptions, such as the idea that 12-step recovery is not "Catholic enough" due to terms like "higher power" or that being a "good Catholic" means one shouldn't need recovery. The hosts highlight the deep spirituality of the Twelve Steps, their compatibility with Catholic teaching, and the importance of community and humility in the healing process.

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Introduction

• • Welcome and Introductions (Scott Weeman, Father Sean Kilcawley)
  • Podcast focus: Faith, recovery, and healing.
  • Today's topic: Common misunderstandings about 12-step recovery for Catholics.
  • Music credits.

Check-ins

• • Father Sean Kilcawley: Busy with priestly formation institute, moving, feeling sadness mixed with joy about leaving his parish and transitioning to St. Patrick's Seminary. Discussion on the nature of emotions and healing.
  • Scott Weeman: Enjoying summer with family, recent travels for Catholic Answers event, attending a Catholic in Recovery retreat in Alabama, upcoming family trip to Wisconsin, working on reconciliation with his father.

Core Topic: Misconceptions about 12-Step Recovery for Catholics

• • A. General Barriers: Misunderstandings often stem from myths, stereotypes, or surface-level knowledge, similar to misconceptions about the Catholic Church.
  • B. Misconception 1: "I'm also a recovering Catholic" / Reaction to Bad Church Experiences.
    • Validation of spiritual abuse and need for healing.
    • Recovery as conversion.
  • C. Misconception 2: All spiritual exploration must be "within the Catholic umbrella."
    • Discussion on the value of encountering different perspectives for self-understanding and strengthening faith.
    • Weakness of living in a "Catholic bubble."
  • D. Misconception 3: "Higher Power" is not Catholic enough / Fear of New Age Spirituality.
    • The 12-step program's inclusive language ("Higher Power") is designed for all, not just Christians.
    • Historical Catholic influence on AA (Fr. Ed Dowling, Sister Ignatia).
    • 12 steps are deeply spiritual and compatible with Catholic teaching, especially confession.
    • Evangelization opportunities within recovery meetings.
  • E. Misconception 4: "If I'm a good Catholic, I shouldn't need recovery."
    • Addiction affects everyone, regardless of faith.
    • Recovery as a means of grace for the spiritually sick, not a punishment.
    • Comparison to the role of sponsors in Catholic confirmation versus 12-step recovery.
    • Acknowledging sin is crucial for healing.
  • F. Misconception 5: "12-step recovery requires people to identify themselves by their worst attribute."
    • Identifying as an "alcoholic" or "addict" signifies powerlessness and liberation by God's grace.
    • Freedom allows open identification; those in active addiction rarely admit it.
  • G. Misconception 6: "I don't need a group, I just need prayer or a priest."
    • This often serves as a rationalization for isolation, which addiction thrives on.
    • Community support and mentorship are essential for healing and cannot be fully replaced by a priest or therapist.
    • Priests often lack the bandwidth for intensive one-on-one addiction support.
  • H. Misconception 7: "Recovery is only for rock bottom addicts."
    • Recovery is for anyone impacted by addiction, regardless of the severity of consequences.
    • The program works for those who are spiritually restless or indirectly affected.
    • The goal is to "raise the bottom" and prevent deeper negative consequences.

Listener Question: Multiple Sponsors for Different Addictions?

• • Scott's Answer: Yes, it's appropriate to have a different sponsor for each addiction, especially if the current sponsor lacks experience in that specific area. However, if a sponsor has relevant experience, they may be adequate for multiple addictions.
  • Father Sean's Answer: You must work the steps in each program. A sponsor's job is to guide through the steps; choose a sponsor with what you want in that specific program. Ask your current sponsor about their comfort level and experience.

Conclusion

• • Invitation to Catholic in Recovery meetings (virtual and in-person).
  • Announcement of Catholic in Recovery mobile app availability in the US.
  • Concluding prayer by Father Sean Kilcawley.
  • Upcoming "My House" workshop for lust addiction (Center for Healing KC).