Give yourself a few points if you’re automatic reaction was to say “Hi, Paul!” It means you’ve been to some 12-Step Meetings and know the routine. The purpose of this blog is to fulfill a need I’ve had, and one that I haven’t found addressed sufficiently elsewhere. And that is to show how the richness and beauty of the Catholic Christian Faith and its centuries-old spirituality can be invaluable in keeping oneself sober. It can be applied to other addictions, too, but I will be writing about only what I know, and that is alcoholism.

I will be bringing into this blog only my own experience, strength and hope. I am not a psychologist, counselor or therapist. I am just a recovered alcoholic who reverted to the Faith after years of being away. My full reversion was soon after I stopped drinking and started paying attention at 12-Step meetings. I know the Catholic Faith pretty well, and the 12-Steps of AA. In another post I will tell my reversion story, and in another I will go on and on with my drunkalogue.

In “Sober Catholic” I will be writing about how I have used the Sacraments and devotions of the Church in keeping and maintaining my sobriety. I will write about the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration; about going to Confession and how it utilizes the 12-Steps if you use it the way it’s supposed to be used. I will tell you about how reading the Bible is necessary, usually around meditating on daily Mass readings. I will describe how meditating on the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Stations of the Cross enriches your soul. I will write about the importance of maintaining a regular prayer life, and how that is essential in keeping your head focused. I will discuss the seasons of the Church’s liturgical year and how they are a great way of getting though the calendar. I will also talk about various saints, particularly around their feast days.

A tall order, and I’ll get to each in due time. I may also babble on occasion about off-topic stuff, but that’ll be minimal.

In short, my name is Paul, I’m an alcoholic, and a Catholic, and I’ll be writing about both.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)