The Irreplaceable Role of a Priest in Recovery
When I first came to a recovery program I was brought to it by a very caring woman who saw the pain I was going through. She stressed the need for having a sponsor and suggested that I listen and find someone with a length of sobriety whom I respected. There was an old-timer, named…
Read MoreWhy Fasting Matters for Us During Lent
During this wonderful season of Lent, many of us turn our attention to the discipline of fasting. Similar to making New Year’s resolutions, many of us decide to give something up for Lent. As a child, I remember wondering why we were called to refrain from meat, candy, or whatever during the 40 days before…
Read MoreIf All Our Sins Smelled Like Alcohol
Being a Lyft driver, I’m afforded a lot of unique interactions with people. As I was telling someone recently, the job is sort of like being an “ad hoc social worker on wheels.” You just never know who is going to come into your car or what their reason for needing a ride might be. …
Read MoreCombating the “Seven Deadly Sins” Through the Spiritual Practices of Recovery
As we enter into Lent, I thought it would be beneficial to list the “Seven Deadly Sins” and the grave effects they have on one’s soul. Opposite each sin, I have listed a virtue that has been given to us as a gift by the Holy Spirit. These virtues help us to live a life…
Read MoreFive Tips for Making (and Keeping!) Our Resolutions This Lent
Many people in North America make resolutions to improve their lives on January 1st. We start the year determined to make this our best year ever, but our high hopes and determination often evaporate like the morning dew on a hot day. In fact, studies show that most people give up on their New Years’…
Read MoreA Reflection on Attachment, Addiction, Psychology, and Spiritual Formation: Part Three
Attachment, as we have seen in previous articles (Part One and Part Two), is central to addiction, recovery, and spiritual growth. But what is it? Where does it come from? How does it get so compromised that we turn to substance abuse and other compulsive behaviors to fill the vacuum in our hearts? Attachment is…
Read MoreThe Four Virtues and The Role of Grace in Our Recovery
In a recent discussion on how to develop virtuous habits to combat negative ones connected with sexual sin, I was introduced to the four cardinal virtues, which are prudence, courage, temperance, and justice. Each of these virtues can help us live moral lives. Following the discussion, I continued to ponder what I liked about my…
Read MoreHow to Find Healing for the Masculine Soul
Lately, I have been having dreams of my high school years. Many of these years involve specific memories of my failures on the gridiron. Missed tackles. Blown assignments. Not giving enough effort. The inevitable fear that I always played with. Being screamed at by coaches and taking this to mean that I was worthless and…
Read MoreHow to Respond to Anti-Catholic Sentiments in Recovery Meetings
When I first walked through the doors of a 12-step meeting over 13 years ago I was hopeless, helpless, and desperate for a change. It was by far the hardest and best thing I ever did and I immediately felt accepted in a room full of complete strangers. 30 days earlier while in treatment I…
Read More5 Strategies for Overcoming an Addiction to Porn and Masturbation
Before discussing five strategies that help me stay clean with regard to porn and masturbation, let me start by explaining that nothing short of the grace and mercy of God ever worked in helping me experience victory over this ongoing battle, which spanned over 40 years. Only God can ultimately free us. I’ve spent a…
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