September 5, 2008

Archdiocese sponsors Mass and program for addiction recovery

“Real People, Real Recovery” is the theme for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September.

As part of this observance, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ Substance Addiction Ministry (SAM)—in collaboration with Drug Free Marion County—will offer a Mass at 4 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Holy Cross Church, 125 N. Oriental St., in Indianapolis.

Father Lawrence Voelker, pastor of Holy Cross Parish and the archdiocesan spiritual director of SAM, is the celebrant for the liturgy offered to pray for and give thanks for addiction recovery.

The public is invited to participate in the Mass and a reception after the liturgy.

Deacon William Jones, a member of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, will assist Father Voelker with the liturgy.

Deacon Jones helped bring the Substance Abuse Ministry to the archdiocese in 2006 and his ministry of charity is its continued implementation in archdiocesan parishes.

Father Voelker said the eucharistic liturgy will “help Catholics who have found recovery [to] connect with each other and enable them to celebrate it in the Church.”

On Sept. 25, Addiction Recovery Month will be observed by community members with a celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kelley Gymnasium adjacent to Holy Cross Church.

Father Voelker said SAM is a way for the Church to respond to people in recovery as well as people who are afflicted by or affected by addictions. It is not affiliated with nor meant to replace 12-Step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.†

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