In this podcast episode, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the integration of the Catholic faith with 12-Step recovery programs. They explore the appropriateness of sharing one's faith in secular meetings, balancing spiritual convictions with group unity, and the importance of humility and discernment. They also delve into the concept of surrender to God, the importance of faith in recovery, and how to navigate sharing faith in secular settings.

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Introduction

• Welcome and introductions by Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley.
• Topic: Integrating Catholic faith with 12-Step recovery, specifically sharing faith in secular 12-Step meetings.
• Shout out to music contributors.

Check-In

• Father Sean Kilcawley:
  • Reflects on Holy Week and Easter celebrations.
  • Shares about a pilgrimage walk between churches carrying a cross.
  • Discusses personal reflection and carrying burdens.
  • Mentions upcoming transition from his parish, workshops, and other events.
• Scott Weeman:
  • Shares positive developments in family relationships.
  • Talks about an upcoming road trip with family.
  • Discusses speaking at the Catholic Psychotherapy Association conference.
  • Mentions emerging from a "funk" and appreciating the newness of Easter.

Topic Discussion: Integrating Faith and Recovery

• Initial Thoughts:
  • Father Sean reflects on Pope Francis's emphasis on evangelization and conversion.
  • Discusses the importance of the kerygma before catechesis.
  • Reflects on why some people prefer 12-Step meetings to Mass.
  • Shares how 12-Step dynamics influenced his homilies.
  • Discusses the importance of approaching God from a place of desperation.
• Personal Experiences:
  • Father Sean discusses wearing his collar in meetings and anonymity.
  • Scott shares his experience of coming into recovery and then the Church.
  • Discusses the "spiritual but not religious" sentiment in meetings.
  • Shares about bringing his Bible to meetings and reactions.
  • Discusses the idea of recovery being the "plate" upon which everything else rests.
• Why Faith Matters in Recovery:
  • Father Sean equates recovery with living a life of conversion.
  • Discusses the importance of entrusting oneself to God.
  • Learning from others with different faith practices.
  • Discusses people in recovery having bad experiences with religious leaders or institutions.
• Sharing Faith in Meetings:
  • Discussion about using "Jesus Christ" vs. "Higher Power."
  • Concerns about special meetings vs. regular meetings.
  • Discussion about the "God of my understanding."
  • Practical guidance on sharing faith: speaking from the "I" perspective, discernment, and prayer.
  • Responding to opposition or discomfort.
  • Encouragement to ask God how to share each day.

Mailbag Question: Surrender

• Michelle asks about the meaning of true surrender to God.
• Scott and Father Sean discuss their definitions of surrender.
• Discussion of surrender vs. surrendering on one's own terms.
• Father Sean uses the analogy of "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."
• Discusses the difference between a hard heart and a heart of flesh.
• Surrender as letting oneself be affected by God.
• Surrendering to phone calls as an analogy.
• Willingness as a component of surrender.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe to the podcast and check out Catholic in Recovery webinars.
• Father Sean closes with a blessing.
• Final remarks and goodbyes.