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 on a Saturday each quarter at different parish churches in the diocese to celebrate our fellowship and to renew our Christian recovery. Our Commission members meet at 10:30 a.m. followed by a worship service based on the 12 Steps at noon. A pot- luck lunch is served at 1:00 p.m., and the Celebration ends with sharing our faith, strength and hope in a common twelve-step meeting for all addictions with friends and families welcome.

Visit the Addictions Recovery Ministry Website for a listing of upcoming services.

Recovery Retreats

Women’s Retreat

Every January, the Addictions Recovery Ministry holds a retreat for women who are in recovery, wish to be in recovery or are just interested in recovery spirituality.

The next retreat will be held January 20-22, 2023 at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. Register here

Mixed Weekend

Every August, the Addictions Recovery Ministry holds a retreat for men and women who are in recovery, wish to be in recovery or are just interested in recovery spirituality.

This retreat will be held August  2023 at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center.  

Recovery Sunday During 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.