Works of Mercy

Catholic social teaching centers on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. They are derived from the Gospel of Jesus According to Matthew, Chapter 25 verses  31-46, “The Last Judgment;” and Matthew Chapter 5, verses 1-12, “The Beatitudes;” as well as other parts of Scripture.

I have blogged about these before when I speak about “Service and Volunteering.”

Today I am going to start a series of posts in which I will write a little about each of them. There are seven of each, and they are listed below:

Corporal Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Shelter the Homeless
Clothe the naked
Visit the Sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Correct the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubting
Comfort the sorrowful
Be patient with those in error
Forgive offenses
Pray for the living and the dead

(This list is courtesy of St. Luke’s mission of Mercy.)

Anyone familiar with alcoholism and addiction should know of these. Many of us have been on the receiving end of them. Perhaps we should think about being on the giving end?

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!!)

Happy Bloggaversary to SoberCatholic

“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”

🙂

Six years ago today, I started Sober Catholic. It was on Blogger wayback then, and in the Summer of 2010 I moved it to its own servers, thanks to Jerry Kohlbrand, the “hillbilly” (and one of my bestest buddies).

I started it because I couldn’t find anything like it back then. I needed something Catholic and interactive that dealt with alcoholism. There was nothing, and as far as I know, still nothing except for this.

Many times I feel like this is pointless, but I trudge on anyway despite common sense. If you appreciate this effort,a few words of encouragement and/or a PayPal contribution would be nice! 😉

Prayers ALWAYS accepted. 🙂

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!!)

Year of Faith

On October 11, 2012, the “Year of Faith” began. Announced a few months ago by Pope Benedict XVI, the latest in a series of  “Years of…” is intended to aid Catholics in learning more about their Faith. Given the horrific catechesis since the 1960’s and the woeful knowledge of the Faith that too many Catholics now possess, this is long overdue.

The general idea is that Catholics learn about the Faith through reading the Catechism, becoming better acquainted with the Bible, study the documents of Vatican 2 and maybe get involved in whatever Diocesan- or Parish- based programs that are being offered.

I waited a while in blogging about it, as I wanted to see just how well I was doing regarding my own plans. And so here it is.

I am doing two things, and will start a third.

The two things that I am doing are reading a few sections or pages of the Catechism as a part of my Morning Prayer. I had been doing this off-and-on, but since the Year of Faith began, way more on than off.  😉 In the evening I have been reading the Documents of Vatican 2. I have found that they are not as dry or inaccessible as I had thought and am thinking that perhaps if more people actually read them back in the 1960’s, we’d be better off today and could have dispensed with the silly “Spirit of Vatican 2” nonsense long ago.

The third thing that I will be doing harkens back to the reason I started this blog way back in 2007. That is to reach out to Catholics who have fallen away from their Faith due to their alcoholism and/or subsequent participation in a secular or non-denominational recovery programs. Too often in my experience in Twelve Steps I have witnessed Catholics leaving the Church due to their exposure to non-Catholic spirituality and the effects of “indifferentism.”  Indifferentism is the sin that “it doesn’t matter what you believe in, as long as you believe in something.”

And so I will try and delve into the core values of this blog and its primary purpose. I will endeavor to link things like Scripture and the Catechism to recovery, more so than perhaps I have done. Not that I have strayed away from that, but I think I can do better than I have been.

At any rate, I hope to make it more obvious to Catholics in recovery the very existence of this blog, and to perhaps bring more of them along for the ride.

Here are some excellent web resources to help your Year of Faith journey:

Home Page of the Year of Faith

Catechism of the Catholic Church – Table of Contents

The Holy See – The Roman Curia – Congregations – Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

The Holy See – Archive


Aleteia (Beta): Seekers of the Truth

BIBLIACLERUS

Inter Mirifica.net – Catholic Mass Media Directory

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!!)

LinkedIn Profile Update!

I don’t usually announce updates to my LinkedIn profile, in fact, I do not recall ever doing so. I am today as this blog does connect as to why I have a LinkedIn profile in the first place.

OK, enjoy this update to the “Summary” (of experience and goals) section:

“Since 2007 I have blogged at Sober Catholic where I write on how Catholic spirituality and the sacraments can assist people in maintaining their recovery from addictions. I expanded upon that in 2008 with The Four Last Things where I touch upon subjects not normally covered in typical recovery work by discussing the four last things everyone faces: Death, Judgment, Heaven (and Purgatory) and Hell.

I started these because I did not find online resources like them when I sobered up.

In addition to the practicing faithful Catholics who may be seeking a way to apply their Faith to their recovery, I also hope to reach the “lost sheep”, those who have left the Church due to their addictions and perhaps subsequent exposure to secular and non-Catholic recovery programs.

I am also turning my attention to the wonderful opportunities that independent publishing offers. I am the author of the “Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics” and “The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts.” Other works are being planned.

I am also planning novels and shorter works in the speculative fiction genre that include exploring the shadowy boundaries between life, death and what is beyond; and what exactly exists in that stage between awake and asleep? I am convinced that some things do lurk out of the corner of your eye. And what does sentience, humanity (or “alienity,”) mean, actually?

My wife and I are also Independent Reliv Distributors. We market nutritional supplements. We were attracted to Reliv because their primary emphasis is on helping people, both through better nutrition and a greater chance at financial freedom. Different from the too-good-to-be-true claims and get-rich-quick schemes associated with network marketing! Contact me through LinkedIn for information on becoming an Independent Reliv Distributor or on buying the product.”

My LinkedIn profile is at Paul Sofranko on LinkedIn. Concerning the last part (our new business venture) you can either contact me through this blog, or preferably through our business email: relivinganew at gmail dot com. You can also find out more about our venture at Reliving Anew.

Thank you!

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!!)

Is back

Well, today was the first day that I have blogged since early September. No excuses, I have had a bevy of posts churning inside of me, but they were all getting in the way of each other and therefore none came out. And so, I wrote about something else (see previous post.)

And now this one right here that you are now reading.

So, now that the creative flow has been unplugged, perhaps a few of the other posts backed up in my brain can now behave themselves and proceed out in a reasonably orderly fashion.

We’ll see. There’s some good stuff coming. In early September I camped out in the bush for a Catholic Men’s retreat, and as a result, a whole bunch of things got stirred up inside.

As if I haven’t gone through enough “conversion experiences” these past 10 years.

There will be the bush adventure, what was stirred up, and maybe a few other things. See you again soon!

 

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!!)

Recovering Catholics

One thing has repeatedly disturbed me in the over 10 years of sobriety that I have.

That thing is the phrase “Recovering Catholic.”

I encountered that phrase quite a lot yesterday and today when I revisited an online recovery community called In The Rooms. I joined a few years ago, never did much with it, but recently felt called to see it again and maybe participate more.

One thing that I hope to do this time around is seek out members of my Faith. My Faith has been extremely important to me in my recovery from alcohol. My Catholicism is tightly wrapped up in my experience, strength and hope.  I figure that if I can connect to other Catholics here, I might find more of a reason to stay. Not that I am uninterested in non-Catholic members, far from it, I’ll be a friend with anyone who is sincere. But I may find an additional incentive to stick around if I can meet other fellow Catholics.

And so I did a search up there in the search area for “Catholic.” I found a bunch of people. It seems that the ITR search engine found anyone who had the term “Catholic” in his or her profile.

And often the word “Catholic” was right after the word “Recovering.”

To me, that term is mean-spirited and hurtful. It also means that the people identifying themselves as one have unresolved issues with the Church. What do 12 Step Programs say about such things? I forget the exact quote in AA’s “Big Book,” but there is something in it about how anger and resentment are two things that alcoholics (and by modern extension, any addict) cannot afford.

They are dangerous landmines. These unresolved issues are just waiting to bite you and perhaps be the trigger for a relapse. Any resentment or unresolved issue needs to be addressed.

Why the term “Recovered Catholic” anyway? Catholicism is an ancient and deep religion and spirituality that has been one of the primary architects of Western civilization. There is much within it that is useful to anyone in recovery. If a person has been harmed by the Church, whether by abuse (of any kind), or they were raised “too strict,” or they have difficulties with the Church’s teachings, all these need to be explored and dealt with.

Regarding abuse: individuals caused it. Not the Church as an institution. Granted, the Church badly fumbled and stumbled in reforming and dealing with abuse. Those who abused, covered up the abuse, and did other wrongs will eventually suffer just punishment. I am by no means soft-pedaling a serious and critical issue. But the lasting anger and resentment that victims feel years later are hardly a “healing.” There are resources available with the Church and outside that can assist people in healing from abuse. It may take years, but the process should be started, and take as long as it needs to take. Otherwise you’re never completely “recovered” from what happened.

If they were raised by “too strict” parents (or taught by too “tough” nuns), so what? That was the parent’s fault. Why did they feel so strongly about the Faith that they drove it home so hard? Perhaps you can learn from authentic and legitimate Catholic sources as to what the Church teach, and more importantly why She teaches that. Your eyes, heart and mind may be opened. Tell you the truth, I was raised Catholic by my parents, my father was rather strict (less so with me than with my much older siblings). I had enough and left the Church. I wandered about a spiritual desert for maybe 15 years before returning. I am grateful that I did. The Church saved my life. Maintaining a harsh attitude against the Church for how Her teachings were inculcated in you is hardly a sign of one in a good recovery (from an addiction. Again that “resentment” word.)

If it is difficulty with Church teachings, then the same advice: learn from authentic and legitimate Catholic sources as to what the Church teaches, and more importantly why. You may understand.

This all takes honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. It also takes humility.

Many people in recovery find their religious faith (Catholic or otherwise) to be of immense help. Going 12 Step-only does not always work, many people need something more. To identify yourself in a manner that bashes another religion is counter-productive and just plain impolite. It is harmful to others, particularly members of that Faith to whom it may be important), and ultimately paints yourself as an individual who may have a shaky recovery (no matter how long sober and clean.)

If you cannot fully deal with and resolve issues from your past, then how can you be of help to others?

The point is, that no matter what the source is for a person’s use of the term “Recovering Catholic,” it does signify something that needs to be addressed and resolved. Something deep inside is still hurting. Honesty and humility are useful tools in doing this. You may not ever return to the Catholic Church, but perhaps the hate, anger and resentment will fade.

Forgiveness and perhaps even reconciliation are ultimately needed. Many “in the rooms” say the Lord’s Prayer during meetings, or on their own. You may want to take a look at the line towards the end:

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others who trespass against us.”

It basically means that God will not forgive you of your sins against Him or against others, unless you also forgive others of their sins against you. It is tough. Forgiveness may be the toughest thing anyone can do. If it was easy, the world would be a far more peaceful place.

Some things to ponder.

If any reader is a member of ITR, here is my profile at “In The Rooms”.

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!!)

September with St. Francis DeSales

I will be reposting some messages from the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales’ Facebook Page on the Sober Catholic blog’s FB page. If any of you are on Facebook, please go to Sober Catholic Blog on Facebook and “Like” it, and you’ll see the daily postings. If you are fearful that liking that Page may harm your anonymity, then go to Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Facebook Page and “Like” the Oblate’s own Page. Or you can do both, as they also post other stuff on his writings.

The Oblates are, I guess, trying to introduce a larger audience to his writings, and are using September as a means.

I missed it when it started on September 1st, I will post the ones I missed through today’s to get caught up. St. Francis DeSales’ writings, especially his “Introduction to the Devout Life,” is good reading for anyone wanting spiritual development.

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!!)

Quick Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary prayers

Yesterday I posted these on the Sober Catholic Blog Facebook Page. I am reposting them here:

The First Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: The Agony in the Garden. “Lord, take this Cup from me, but not my will, let your will be done.”

The Second Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: The Scourging at the Pillar. “May my remorse, and the rending of my heart, be like scourges, purifying my soul.”

The Third Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: The Crowning with Thorns. “May my mental anguish and pain be like a heartfelt prayer rising up to You.”

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: Jesus Carries His Cross. “Lord, give me the strength to bear the Cross I am burdened with.”

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: Jesus Dies on the Cross. “May I die unto self, so that a new person may rise.”

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!!)

54 Day Rosary Novenas

The Rosary has been an important part of my devotional and spiritual life ever since I sobered up and reverted to the Church in 2001/02. I have said it daily (most of the time 😉 ) and have even used it as a part of Novena prayers.

One thing I hadn’t done until this year was say a 54-day Rosary Novena. This is mainly due to my feeling that normal novenas take a lot out of me. I don’t know why, maybe it is the stress of maintaining it daily for 9 days. This is any novena, Rosary or otherwise. There is an irrational fear that if I skip a day, the prayers and petitions are wasted (I don’t think they are.)

And a ROSARY Novena, not just for the usual nine days, but FIFTY-FOUR?!?!?!? Seemingly impossible! Out of the question!

But I tried it earlier this year, twice. And some strange things happened, both times it felt easy. No stress or strain of just getting through nine days. It was as if I was sailing through the days. Also, although the petitions have not been fully answered, yet (they’re doozies), I do feel that movement is being made and that things are sorting out towards resolutions that I will be happy with. God’s will works in mysterious ways.

So, what exactly is a 54 day Novena? It is simply saying three consecutive Rosary Novenas in petition for a favor or intention, (that’s 27 days) followed by three consecutive Rosary Novenas in thanksgiving for whatever God’s will was in regards to the petition (there’s the other 27 days. Total: 54).

This means it is an act of faith and trust, you are thanking God for His response without waiting to see what His answer is.

I am starting another 54 day Novena. There is a critical US Presidential election this year (every US Presidential election has seemed “critical,” at least going back to 2000. I really am starting to think that democracy is overrated and that we should take a look at a monarchy again). Without divulging who I’m voting for, I have created “Events” in Facebook, Google+ and ProLifeBook, listing the Novena and how to say it.

Here’s the text of the Event:

“For Catholics and other interested Christians: September 14th is the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross (a/k/a the Exaltation of the Cross). This is a fitting day to begin a 54 day Rosary Novena for God’s will to prevail in the upcoming USA Presidential election, which is November 6th, (54 days after the Novena begins.)

If you do not know how to pray a 54 day Rosary Novena, it is simple: you pray 3 consecutive 9 day Rosary Novenas in petition for some favor or intention, followed by 3 consecutive 9 day Rosary Novenas in thanksgiving for God’s answer (whatever it might be.)

This means it is an act of faith and trust, you are thanking God for His response without waiting for it.

If you do not know how to pray the Rosary, here is a handy link: How to Pray the Rosary. You can also download a PDF image file here: How to pray the Rosary PDF. In addition, here is a link showing how the Rosary is rooted in Sacred Scripture: Scriptural Rosary.

This event is also listed on Facebook; on Google+; as well as on ProLifeBook

So, if you are on those social networks, invite friends and spread the news!!”

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!!)

The Future of the Matt Talbot Way of Recovery

I have been thinking over the future of the Yahoo Group, Matt Talbot Way of Recovery.

It appears to be going in much the same way as previous incarnations of it. For those not in the know, I started “Catholics in Recovery” (later dropping the “in”) in 2008, which lasted until 2010. The service it was on, Ning.com, went to a paying model and we couldn’t afford it. I then renamed it “Recovery for Christ”, purchased a domain name and loaded it on a server I host my blogs on. It lasted until 2011. (See: Sober Catholic: Recovery for Christ is shutting down)

In all of these, there’d be periods of activity interspersed with periods of inactivity. But mostly inactivity. But for some reason I’d persevere.

This is the 3rd version of a recovery forum for Catholics struggling with alcoholism and other addictions that I’ve put together. It may be the last. I am NOT pulling the plug, but I am thinking of altering its focus.

I posed a question in the MTW as to the possibility of starting a discussion forum elsewhere than on Yahoo(there are free forums offered here and there). A stand-alone discussion forum website, no money is needed for hosting, and they offer decent functions.

I WOULD ONLY BOTHER SETTING IT UP IF I HAVE ADMINISTRATIVE and MODERATION ASSISTANCE!

Basically, I would want the site to continue on if something were ever to happen to me. When I had CR and R4C, if I died, so would the networks as no one else had admin or moderator status and no one but me had the admin passwords.

But I usually had insufficient help. No complaints, as the Sober Catholic post I linked to above has my take and confessions regarding that.

I was thinking that a standalone discussion forum, nothing fancy, would serve to aid in long-term discussions.

In the Yahoo forums, older discussions tend to fade away too quickly. A discussion forum is better suited for this.

The Yahoo Group would continue on as a sort of 911/emergency “I’m thinkin’ of drinkin’” hotline, as well as a quick accountability platform.

Someone on the MTW recently mentioned the idea of chatrooms. That has never been successful on CR or R4C. I am open to something if it is doable.

Anyway, I am just tossing this out there. Any thoughts?

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!!)