The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Journey through Recovery
In the first book to directly integrate the Twelve Steps with the practice of Catholicism, Scott Weeman, founder and director of Catholic in Recovery, pairs his personal story with compassionate straight talk to show Catholics how to bridge the commonly felt gap between the Higher Power of twelve-step programs and the merciful God that he rediscovered in the heart of the sacraments.
Weeman entered sobriety from alcohol and drugs on October 10, 2011, and he’s made it his full-time ministry to help others who struggle with various types of addiction to find spiritual wholeness through Catholic in Recovery, an organization he founded and directs.
In The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments, Weeman candidly tackles the struggle he and other addicts have with getting to know intimately the unnamed Higher Power of recovery. He shares stories of his compulsion to find a personal relationship with God and how his tentative steps back to the Catholic Church opened new doors of healing and brought him surprising joy as he came to know Christ in the sacraments.
Catholics in recovery and those moving toward it, as well as the people who love them will recognize Weeman’s story and his spiritual struggle to personally encounter God. He tells us how:
- Baptism helps you admit powerlessness over an unmanageable problem, face your desperate need for God, and choose to believe in and submit to God’s mercy.
- Reconciliation affirms and strengthens the hard work of examining your life, admitting wrongs, and making amends.
- The Eucharist provides ongoing sustenance and draws you to the healing power of Christ.
- The graces of Confirmation strengthen each person to keep moving forward and to share the good news of recovery and new life in Christ.
Weeman’s words are boldly challenging and brimming with compassion and through them you will discover inspiration, hope, sage advice, and refreshingly practical help.
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About the Author
Scott Weeman was born and raised in northeast Wisconsin where he enjoyed involvement in sports and activities with his friends and family. After high school he moved from a developing rural community to attend college in New York City after being awarded a scholarship for his participation in policy debate. At this point, his experience around drugs and alcohol started to spin out of control and, after a series of unconventional events, he found himself seeking the mercy of the Lord at age 26. Scott attributes this re-conversion to a very strong Catholic community at St. Brigid’s Parish in San Diego, CA, where he lives today. In addition, the experience, strength, and hope shared in recovery groups that he regularly attends has guided his own recovery, although imperfectly, one day at a time. An opportunity at a new way of life has brought Scott to a point where he is passionate about bringing the Good News to people who struggle to find healing from alcoholism and addictions. Blending both the spiritual tools made available to him through addiction recovery and the wisdom of the Catholic Church, he founded a nonprofit organization, Catholic in Recovery, to bring hope to those who struggle finding freedom from the bondage of their addictions.
