In Episode 14 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the Theology of the Body and its relevance to addiction recovery. They explore how Saint John Paul II's teachings can offer a framework for understanding human dignity, the meaning of our bodies, and God's restorative power for what is broken.

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Introduction

• • Welcome and introduction of hosts, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley
  • Brief overview of Catholic in Recovery and the podcast's purpose
  • Today's topic: Theology of the Body and its relevance to addiction recovery
  • Credit to music creators, I.B. Jacob/Bassanova, and Aisling Fuller

Check-in with Father Sean and Scott

• • Father Sean:
    • The last 5 weeks at his parish
    • Officiating a wedding for someone he's known since they were young
    • Thoughts on aging and future weddings
    • The beginning of the conclave and prayers for the Holy Spirit's guidance
    • Upcoming "My House" workshop for men struggling with pornography/compulsive sexual behaviors
    • Priest convocation in San Francisco to speak on Theology of the Body, evangelization, and addiction recovery
  • Scott Weeman:
    • Return from 11-day trip
    • Travel to Wisconsin for a niece's first Holy Communion
    • Visit to a Catholic in Recovery Group in South Bend, Indiana
    • Family trip through Michigan, Ontario (Niagara Falls), and New York City
    • Visit to Pace University and reflections on past struggles and redemption
    • Statue of Liberty tour and discussing 9/11 with his children at the World Trade Center site
    • Visit to a Catholic in Recovery group in West Nyack, New York
    • Attendance at the Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference in Philadelphia
    • Preparation for a Catholic in Recovery retreat in Oklahoma City

Listener Communication Clarification

• • Father Sean explains the volume of communication received and the preference for email over phone calls to the rectory.
  • Encouragement to send questions to podcast@catholicinrecovery.com for future mailbag episodes and topic ideas.

Theology of the Body

• • Father Sean's background and interest in Theology of the Body
  • Influence of personal experiences and St. John Paul II's writings
  • Study at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Rome
  • Connection between Theology of the Body and addiction recovery (learning to love and receive love)
  • Explanation of the Wednesday Audiences by St. John Paul II
    • Adequate Anthropology
    • Original Man, Historical Man, Redeemed Man, Eschatological Man
    • Original Experiences: Solitude, Unity, Nakedness
    • Relationship with God as primary
  • Discussion on viewing the body as a gift rather than a burden
  • Body as a sacrament, body-soul composite, and effects of the fall
  • Body language and purpose, revealing truths about God and love
  • Being made in the image of God and overcoming shame

Hope and Healing

• • Message of hope for those early in recovery
  • Believing in Jesus's power and the possibility of healing
  • Perseverance and the journey of recovery
  • Surrender and acknowledging where one is in the process

Mailbag Question

• • Comment from Jeff H.: Gratitude for the podcast and integrating faith and 12-step recovery
  • Question from Kevin S.: Identifying various addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments in recovery; risk of scrupulosity; where the standard should be.
  • Father Sean's response: Differentiating sin from scrupulosity, working multiple programs, recognizing patterns, talking to a priest/spiritual director, possibility of minimizing behaviors.

Closing Blessing

• • Father Sean offers a closing blessing.