THE CATHOLIC IN RECOVERY PODCAST
Episode 3 – Getting Started: Finding a Sponsor

Dec 10, 2024

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Episode Summary
In the third episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss the importance of finding a sponsor in recovery, detailing the sponsor's critical role as someone who guides and supports us through the Twelve Steps. They also discuss what to look for when finding a sponsor and what such a relationship might look like.

Episode Resources
  • Download CIR's Sponsorship Guide by joining CIR+ with a 12-day free trial.
  • Join CIR+ to be part of a community committed to recovery and access resources to sustain you on your recovery journey, including CIR’s Pathway to Recovery—emailed support, encouragement, and resources for the first 90 days of recovery to keep you accountable to finding freedom during those first critical three months.

Where to Listen

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Episode Highlights
Introduction and Check-In (00:00 - 09:07)

  • Podcast introduction and host introductions (Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley)
  • Check-in: Hosts share personal updates and reflections
    • Fr. Sean discusses Advent, Thanksgiving with family, and the concept of clearing space in recovery
    • Scott shares about attending a friend's funeral and connecting with others in recovery

Defining Sponsorship and Sharing Experiences (09:07 - 24:54)

  • Transition to the topic of sponsorship
  • Listener's question about navigating relationships outside of recovery groups
  • Definition of a sponsor: Someone who guides and supports someone through the 12 steps
  • Discussion on the differences between sponsors, spiritual directors, and accountability partners
  • Hosts share their personal experiences with finding and working with sponsors
    • Fr. Sean emphasizes the importance of finding a sponsor who doesn't know you personally and can speak truth into your life
    • Scott describes his experiences with two sponsors and how they helped him in different ways

Characteristics of a Good Sponsor and Advice for Finding One (24:54 - 45:55)

  • Discussion on the characteristics of a good sponsor
    • Should have sustained sobriety and have worked the steps
    • Does not need to be of the same faith but should respect your faith
    • Same-gender sponsorship is generally recommended
  • Advice for finding a sponsor
    • Attend meetings and listen to people share
    • Ask someone you admire if they're willing to be your sponsor
    • Don't delay in finding a sponsor
    • Don't resist the temptation to find the "perfect" sponsor
    • Consider virtual sponsorship as an option

Addressing Listener Question and Closing Remarks (45:55 - 58:56)

  • Addressing the listener's question about navigating relationships outside of recovery groups
    • Advice to lean into relationships in the rooms and be patient with family members
    • Acknowledgement of the challenges of strained relationships and differing perspectives on recovery
  • Closing remarks
    • Gratitude for listeners and encouragement to provide feedback
    • Call to action: Subscribe, rate, review, and share the podcast
    • Promotion of Catholic in Recovery resources and retreats

V. Blessing and Farewell (57:46 - 58:56)

  • Fr. Sean offers a blessing for listeners
  • Hosts exchange friendly banter about their favorite football teams
  • Farewell and closing remarks