Addictions Recovery Ministry

The Addictions Recovery Ministry is a specialized ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana as well as a local affiliate of the Recovery Ministries of the National Episcopal Church. This ministry reaches out on behalf of the Church to welcome recovering people into the Episcopal community and also helps recovering Episcopalians find a home within the organized Church. The Recovery Ministry works within the diocese to provide education, guidance and support for families and parishes struggling with, or wishing to learn more about, addiction. The term “addiction” includes a relationship with any activity or substance which interferes with healthy functioning – alcohol, drugs, relationships, sex, work, gambling or food for example. Our desire is not to be dogmatic or exclude anyone in their spiritual search but to live out the acceptance and love taught by Jesus.

The Addictions Recovery Ministry (ARM) provides an avenue for exploring recovery in a Christian context in addition to other 12 Step and professional recovery programs. The ministry hosts quarterly Celebrations of Life in Recovery, monthly Eucharists incorporating the 12 Steps, and two annual recovery-oriented retreats as well as providing resources to the people and churches of the diocese.

Please let us know of any opportunities where we can be of service regarding addiction and recovery issues.

Visit the Addictions Recovery Ministry website for more information or to contact a member of the ARM Commission.

Download the Addiction Recovery Brochure.

 

Celebration in Recovery

We gather at churches in the diocese to celebrate our fellowship and to renew our Christian recovery. The worship service incorporates the 12 Steps.

Visit the Addictions Recovery Ministry Website to find upcoming services.

 

Recovery Retreats

Women’s Retreat

This retreat is for women who are in recovery, wish to be in recovery or are just interested in recovery spirituality. It is held in January at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. The Solomon Episcopal Conference Center website offers more information about the retreat.

Mixed Weekend

This retreat is for men and women who are in recovery, wish to be in recovery or are just interested in recovery spirituality. It is held in August at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. The Solomon Episcopal Conference Center website offers more information about the retreat. 

 

Recovery Sunday in Eastertide

A Recovery Sunday is an opportunity to provide information about an illness that affects men and women of all ages, and all racial, ethnic, religious, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. Almost 10% of people in the US struggle with addictions and most of us have a family member or friend who has been affected.

The 2011 Diocesan Convention passed Resolution R-2 promoting awareness of addiction and recovery issues in the Diocese of Louisiana. The resolution suggests scheduling a Recovery Sunday during Eastertide, although any Sunday is acceptable. Members of the ARM Commission are available to help with planning, preparation, or speakers and to answer questions regarding a Recovery Sunday program. If you take advantage of ARM support, there do not need to be any additional demands on clergy.

If you are interested in scheduling a Recovery Sunday, feel free to contact a member of the ARM Commission. If you wish, someone from your parish or from the ARM Commission can provide a personal testimony during Sunday School, or in conjunction with your sermon or announcements.

 

Addictions Recovery Commission

  • Deacon Jay Albert, Co-Chair
  • The Rev. Seamus Doyle
  • The Rev. Dee Dee Estes
  • Regina Fleming
  • Julie Green
  • Deacon Mike Hackett
  • Linda Knight
  • Bill LeBlanc
  • Chris Martin, Co-Chair
  • Will Wilson

 

 

Find a Twelve-Step Group in the Diocese

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Resources

Prayers and Liturgy

PRAYERS

Prayer for the Victims of Addiction

O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer Of The Episcopal Church
Prayer 56, Page 831

Prayer for Serenity

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonable happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Reinhold Neibuhr

 

SERVICES

Ministry Stories and Reflections