Addiction and Healing

Addiction is not just the problem of an individual.  It is a family disease which touches spouses, children, mothers, fathers, grandparents and numerous others.  In this day and time where the family structure is under assault by so many different aspects of modern day life, addiction can unravel a family beyond repair.

Several years ago, a grave need was identified for a faith-based ministry that would provide help and support to those with addiction problems and to family members struggling to help their loved ones.  Out of this need, Scott Babin, a parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church created a group called SAM (an acronym for Substance Abuse Ministry).  The mission of this ministry is to educate and support those suffering from addiction and their families in a non-threatening and confidential environment using our faith and trust in God and the shared experiences of the group.

More recently, the leadership role has passed to Mr. Mike Lofton, LCSW, who has a Masters in Clinical Social Work and who specializes in issues related to addiction, co-dependency and mental health.  Mike facilitates the meetings and provides expert guidance in helping the members of the group to recognize and build on their strengths and to overcome their weaknesses.

At every meeting, we see good people that are sorely in need of affirmation that their struggles are not in vain.  Some are those that are newly come to the reality of addiction and the shambles it can make of relationships.  Some are those that have experienced a lifetime of dealing with addiction in its many forms and need the support of the group to continue their fight or to seek closure and forgiveness through God’s grace.

Substance Abuse Ministry, now renamed, Catholics In Recovery is for anyone with an addiction problem of any kind AND for family members who need assistance in coping with relationship problems caused by the addiction.  Although the meetings are open to everyone regardless of church parish affiliation or religious preference, the ministry is Catholic based.  The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon are also integrated into the meetings.  All are welcome.

Teens and adults are urged to attend these healing sessions and pastors are urged to identify those who could benefit from this ministry and make them aware of it.  Child care is provided upon request.  The meetings are held on the 1^st and 3^rd Fridays of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Madonna Room of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church.  A meal is served at each meeting.  Prayer and fellowship are integral parts of the sessions.  All meetings are confidential. 

For questions regarding this ministry, please contact Mike Lofton at 308-1880 or Dee Gilbert at 445-3693 ext. 212.  For childcare reservations, you must contact Dee by noon on the day of the meeting at 229-7890 or 445-3693 ext. 212.