In this last episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss their recent experiences, including Father Sean's new role at the seminary and Scott's trip to Rome, where he met Pope Leo. Father Sean offers guidance on addiction recovery for priests and the Church's teachings on divorce in challenging circumstances. The conversation highlights the importance of holistic recovery, spiritual growth, and the complexities of navigating personal struggles within a faith context.

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I. Introduction

• Welcome and Topic Introduction: Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley welcome listeners back after a break, noting they will discuss a couple of topics and see where the conversation takes them.
• Music and Production Credits: Scott thanks I.B. Jacob (Bassanova) and Aisling Fuller for intro/outro music.
• Upcoming Event Highlight: Scott highlights the first-ever virtual Catholic Addiction Recovery Summit on September 26th, a day of hope and healing, featuring Father Sean Kilcawley, Don Eden Goldstein, and Dr. Matthew Bruninger as keynote speakers.

II. Personal Check-ins

• Father Sean Kilcawley's Update: Father Sean shares his positive experience about a month into life at the seminary as the director of human formation, expressing gratitude for using his gifts and witnessing God's work. He mentions a recent trip to Notre Dame and a sense of healing and resolution in his life. He also looks forward to watching the Lions football game and visiting family next week for a Covenant Eyes event.
• Scott Weeman's Update: Scott recounts his recent travels, including a family trip to San Diego, a solo trip to Rome with a friend where he toured the Vatican, attended an event at Castel Gandolfo with Pope Leo and Andrea Bocelli, and shared about Catholic in Recovery with the Pope. He also attended a conference at Notre Dame and went pheasant hunting and to a Vikings game in Minneapolis. He mentions discerning whether Nashville will be their long-term home and ongoing family challenges.

III. Listener Questions and Discussion

• Question 1: Toolkit for Priests on Addiction Recovery (Michelle)
  • Michelle asks if Catholic in Recovery has a toolkit for priests to help those struggling with addiction, noting her own experience of being told to "pray more."
  • Father Sean's Response: He emphasizes a holistic approach (spiritual director, therapist, 12-step recovery) and addresses the church's bias against addiction language. He highlights the importance of lay people being a witness and resource for priests.
  • Scott's Follow-up: Scott reinterprets the question from the perspective of someone seeking help from a priest who is ill-equipped to respond to addiction.
  • Father Sean's Further Thoughts: He expresses frustration with clergy who dismiss addiction, emphasizing the need for humility and self-reflection within the church to make appropriate outside referrals.
• Question 2: Divorce in the Church (Patty)
  • Patty, an adult child of an alcoholic and opiate addict, shares her painful experience of leaving her husband after multiple failed recovery attempts and her struggle with the church's teachings on divorce.
  • Father Sean's Response: He expresses gratitude for Patty's vulnerability and acknowledges the complexity of her situation. He discusses the church's stance against divorce but emphasizes seeking redemption and the possibility of reconciliation after divorce. He clarifies that living single after divorce does not remove one from communion with the church and that individuals are not required to submit to abuse. He also addresses how prayers for marriage can trigger grief and anger in those who have experienced divorce.
  • Scott's Thoughts: Scott applauds Patty's 10+ years in ACA recovery, highlighting how recovery builds freedom and helps individuals advocate for themselves and navigate challenging relationships with God's help.

IV. Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Father Sean indicates it's time to wrap up.
• Call to Action: Scott encourages listeners to spread the word about the podcast and send in their questions.
• Closing Prayer: Father Sean offers a blessing for listeners, those attending the virtual retreat, and those with unspoken questions, asking for grace, love, and mercy.
• Farewell: Scott and Father Sean say goodbye, with Father Sean expressing excitement for the Lions game.