Episode 18 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast explores the unique challenges and graces experienced by Catholic priests, clergy, and lay leaders on their recovery journey. Hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley emphasize the importance of vulnerability and seeking help, dispelling the myth that leaders must always appear perfect. They highlight how embracing recovery can actually magnify ministry and encourage those struggling to use available support systems like 12-step meetings before reaching a crisis point.

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Introduction

• Welcome and Introduction of Hosts

  • Scott Weeman: Founder of Catholic in Recovery

  • Fr. Sean Kilcawley: Formerly of the Diocese of Lincoln, now at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA

• Overview of Podcast Focus

  • Faith, Recovery, and Healing

  • Today’s Topic: The unique challenges and grace involved when Catholic priests, clergy, and lay leaders walk the path of recovery

• Shout-outs and Credits

  • Intro/Outro Music: I.B. Jacob (aka Bassanova) and Aisling Fuller

  • Production: Jenna Bittler

  • Support: Chris Hazell

Host Check-ins

Fr. Sean Kilcawley

• Final week in Nebraska before transition

• Reflections on grief and change ("Inside Out" reference)

• Goodbyes with parishioners, especially through his role in Engaged Encounter community

• Going away party highlights: gratitude, humility, fellowship, pulled pork and macaroni

• Anticipation and stress about new phase in life

Scott Weeman

• Reflections on family life and recovery

• Daughter’s fifth birthday celebration

• Insights into childlike dependence and spiritual relationship with God

• Recovery’s fruitfulness in family life

• Preparing to unplug in Wisconsin

Main Topic: Priests, Clergy, and Catholic Leaders in Recovery

Why This Topic Matters

• The tension between public roles and private wounds

• Lay leaders and clergy facing hidden struggles

• The importance of authenticity and self-care

• Spiritual leadership vs. unresolved trauma

Challenges for Catholic Leaders in Recovery

• Fear of scandal and being “found out”

• Shame and the pressure of perfectionism

• Risk of isolation and performance-based identity

• Difficulty maintaining authentic relationships

Reflections and Insights

Are Special Meetings Necessary?

• Fr. Sean and Scott discuss the pros and cons of “specialty” recovery meetings

• Potential pitfalls of “terminal uniqueness”

• The universal need for grace and healing regardless of title or role

• Shared stories of experimentation with clergy-specific groups that fell short

Role of Identity and Baptismal Name

• Addiction existed before priesthood—recovery must go back to the beginning

• Reflection on Peter and Paul’s conversion journeys

• The recovery journey must return to one’s deepest identity as a child of God

• Letting go of clerical titles to simply say, “Hi, I’m John...”

Modeling Vulnerability and Leadership

• 12-step recovery as a space to remove masks and seek grace

• Danger of leading from theory rather than lived experience

• Leaders benefit when they become witnesses more than teachers (Paul VI quote)

• Testimonies of priests and Catholic leaders who thrive more in ministry after embracing recovery

Barriers and Needs of Church Leaders

• Fear of scandal, losing credibility, or damaging others’ faith

• Tension of being both counselor and peer in meetings

• The gift of anonymity and virtual recovery meetings post-COVID

• Respect earned through vulnerability and honesty

• Importance of boundaries in dual relationships

Cultural and Practical Contributors to Addiction

• Culture of alcohol and food gifts among clergy

• Lack of authentic hobbies or relational outlets

• Need for confidence in communicating recovery needs

• Importance of simple boundary-setting and self-awareness

Resources and Initiatives

• Guest House: 12-step treatment center for clergy and religious

• FOCUS Freedom Project: Support system for missionaries navigating addiction and unhealthy attachments

• The idea of offering “rest stops” and off-ramps before breakdown

Pastoral and Practical Encouragement

• Raising the bottom: seeking help before crisis hits

• Recovery is free, accessible daily, and doesn’t require upending one’s life

• Testimony of seminarians and priests more fruitful in ministry through recovery

• Contrast with over-identification with recovery jargon from the pulpit

• Authentic fruit of recovery: transformation, not performance

Golf Analogy for Recovery

• Hitting a golf ball with bad alignment = living without checking patterns

• Driving range = recovery meetings (practice in a safe environment)

• Golf course = real life (applying tools)

• Practice, feedback, and repetition lead to intuitive growth

• Reminder that knowledge alone isn’t enough—behavior and community are key

Mailbag

• Listener Comment from Woodland, CA

  • Support and prayers for Fr. Sean’s new parish and their own new church

  • Gratitude for the podcast

Closing and Blessing

• Scott’s Closing Remarks

  • Invitation to submit questions: [email protected]

  • Encouragement to act today, before consequences mount

  • Reminder: “Rock bottom is when we stop digging”

• Fr. Sean’s Final Blessing

  • Prayer for courage, fortitude, and deeper freedom

  • Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all saints

  • Blessing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Outro Music

  • IB Jacob and Aisling Fuller