by | | Addiction, Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Codependence, Expert Opinion, Getting Sober, Help from the Saints, Spiritual Tools
In my own recovery, I have found many helpful tools in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. I could almost call the Exercises a recovery program for addiction and codependency. Within these exercises, St. Ignatius offers rules for the “discernment of...
by | | Catholic Psychology, Psychology & Therapy, Spiritual Tools, Therapy
Taking custody of the mind is a topic that always piques much interest when brought up in recovery meetings. Those of us who struggle with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments recognize the mind as a battlefield. I was introduced to the concept of...
by | | First Step, General, Second Step
One of the most challenging directives in Scripture is when Jesus says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). A simple review of the 10 Commandments convinces me that I break many of them daily. Without the presence of...
by | | Fifth Step, Fourth Step, Prayer & Scripture Reflections, Reconciliation, Sacraments, Scripture Reflection, Spiritual Tools, The Sacraments, The Twelve Steps
In part one of this series, Mark L. details how the first three Beatitudes can help us in our recovery and spiritual lives “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” This Beatitude suggests we must actively pursue God and...
by | | Fifth Step, Fourth Step, Prayer & Scripture Reflections, Reconciliation, Sacraments, Scripture Reflection, Spiritual Tools, The Sacraments, The Twelve Steps
The first formal Step Four a recovering person makes can be likened to the preparation for a “general Confession” made by a Catholic who has returned to the Church after being away or been received into the Church for the first time. This in-depth and thorough...