In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley explore the meaning of anonymity, its origins, and its practical applications in recovery. They also touch on balancing recovery with faith, sharing personal recovery stories, and navigating the challenges of maintaining anonymity while seeking help.

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Introduction

• Welcome and introductions of Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley.
• Gratitude for music contributors.
• Episode topic: Anonymity in 12-step recovery.

Personal Check-ins

• Father Sean shares about his recent experiences, including connecting with his therapist and attending a family event.
• Scott inquires about Father Sean's work-life balance.
• Father Sean discusses self-care practices, like taking baths to manage stress.
• Scott shares about his busy schedule, balancing work and family, and his reflections on presence and gratitude.

The Topic of Anonymity

• Scott and Father Sean define anonymity and differentiate it from confidentiality/privacy.
• Reference to the 12 Traditions of AA, particularly Traditions 11 and 12.
• Scott reads from the "12 and 12" about the history and development of the principle of anonymity.
• Discussion of placing principles before personalities.

Personal Experiences with Anonymity

• Father Sean shares an experience at an Al-Anon meeting and the challenges of being recognized.
• Scott discusses his decision to put his name on his book and how he navigates anonymity in media appearances.
• Discussion of the importance of sharing a message of hope versus breaking anonymity.
• Scott's practice of changing his last name in virtual meetings.

Further Discussion on Anonymity

• Father Sean talks about organizations that revolve around a personality and the importance of 12-Step resources.
• Addressing the fear of being recognized in meetings.
• Discussion of special meetings for helping professionals and closed groups.
• The concept of surrender and willingness.
• Navigating anonymity as a public figure.

Sharing Recovery with Others

• Discussion on when and how to share recovery with family, friends, and others.
• The importance of assessing safety and the motivations for sharing.
• Scott shares his experience of initially hoping that going to meetings would fix everything in his life.
• The irony of discussing anonymity while having public sobriety.
• How Father Sean approaches speaking engagements while maintaining anonymity.

Mailbag Question and Closing Remarks

• A listener asked a question about balancing anonymity and openness in a church community.
• Discussion about how to navigate dual identities in recovery and faith.
• Suggestions for how to approach sharing with the church community and pastor.
• The importance of discerning who to trust with personal recovery information.
• Final thoughts and blessings from Father Sean.
• Contact information and where to find more resources.
• Closing prayer.