Catholic in Recovery: Providing Essential Support in the Face of Addiction and Unhealthy Attachments

Recovering from addiction — whether in terms of substance abuse or other unhealthy attachments — can be a very isolating and trying experience. There are lots of programs that offer assistance to those undergoing the recovery process, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. But Catholic in Recovery is a program that is rooted in the faith, with the ability to share Catholic teachings.

Jenny Teeters leads the Catholic in Recovery chapter here at Our Lady of the Assumption. In August 2018, Catholic in Recovery Founder Scott Weeman came to speak at our parish. As a member of the Pastoral Council, Jenny was asked to lead our Catholic in Recovery ministry — a role she took on without hesitation. It was through this program that Jenny actually started on her path to becoming sober. She recently celebrated a year of sobriety.

“Through Catholic in Recovery, people can admit, ‘I am powerless over this thing, I have tried to stop this, I need God to help me,’” Jenny says. “This program is 12 steps and it is extremely spiritual. Unlike other programs, in Catholic in Recovery, we talk about Mary and the Holy Spirit.”

Jenny says that during really hard moments in her life, her faith was the only place she was finding joy.

“The whole ministry, God put this in my path, and it’s the same for other people,” Jenny says.

The Catholic in Recovery program meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, meetings are currently held over the Zoom video conference platform. People may become part of this ministry to work through recovery from problems with substance addiction, food, control issues, and anger issues. There is also support for issues with sexual integrity and other unhealthy attachments. Jenny says there is no need to identify an addiction or unhealthy attachment at the meetings. Also, everything that is shared at the meetings stays at the meetings — it is a safe space.

“The benefit of doing this through Zoom is people can turn off their camera and change their name on their computer,” Jenny says. “This allows them to remain anonymous.”

The Catholic in Recovery program has changed Jenny’s life, and she hopes others who are dealing with addiction or unhealthy attachments will consider participating in the program. There are even virtual meetings at other parishes, which would be another way to remain anonymous.

Each meeting includes reading the 12 steps and a reflection, which is based on the upcoming Sunday’s Mass readings. Prayer, including the Prayer of St. Francis, is an integral part of the program. The program is ongoing, so there is no start and stop. Attendees may continue to attend for as long as they would like.

“It’s really beautiful because before I even attend an OLA Live streamed Mass on the weekend, I have already been reflecting on the Word,” Jenny says.

Jenny hopes that anyone going through addiction or unhealthy attachment will step forward and attend Catholic in Recovery. She knows the COVID-19 pandemic has added extra stress and isolation for those who were already struggling.

“This is a really important time to have a safe place to go and receive encouragement,” she says. “We are here to help. It’s a dangerous time for people to be alone. Through Catholic in Recovery, there is prayer and help and support.”

If you would like to join Catholic in Recovery, please email Jenny Teeters at jennyteeters@gmail.com. Jenny is also available as a resource for other soberliving programs — please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Jenny Teeters leads Catholic in Recovery at our parish.