In the second episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley share their experience of attending 12-step meetings for the first time, highlighting the fear, anxiety, and eventual sense of belonging that can come with entering recovery. They also discuss the importance of finding a home group and the transformative power of sharing one's struggles and receiving love and support.

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Introduction

• Hosts: Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley
• Podcast Purpose: Honest dialogue on 12-step recovery and the Catholic Church
• Episode Focus: Attending a 12-step meeting for the first time

Check-In

• Father Sean's Update: Recent travels, presentations, reflections on obedience and surrender
• Scott's Update: Grief over a friend's death from alcoholism, a reminder of addiction's power

First Meeting Experiences

• Scott's First Meeting (in rehab): Dark and uninspiring, reflecting his inner state
• Scott's "Real" First Meeting: Sense of belonging, connection with others, the beginning of sobriety
• Father Sean's Multiple First Meetings: Exposure through family, Alanon meeting, finding understanding
• Importance of Belonging: Shared weaknesses and reliance on God create strong bonds
• Overcoming Biases: Religious people may resist 12-step programs, wanting their own faith to "fix" them

Navigating First Meeting Anxieties

• Fear of Being Loved: Suspicion of people's kindness, overcoming past hurts
• Fear of Knowing People: Recognizing shared struggles, potential for new friendships
• The "Parking Lot" Phenomenon: Hesitation to enter, asking for help from a Higher Power
• Importance of Finding a Home Group: Consistency, belonging, being known

Listener Question

• Father Sean's Connection to Military Community: Compassion for veterans, understanding the unique challenges

Conclusion

• The Transformative Power of Recovery: Meeting expectations of judgment with love, mercy, and grace
• Encouragement to Take the First Step: Finding hope and new life through fellowship and faith
• Call to Action: Subscribe, share, rate, review, join the Catholic in Recovery community
• Closing Blessing: Prayer for those seeking recovery, for Scott's friend, and for all listeners