Mass for those suffering from addictions, their families set for Aug. 14 in Indy

The Substance Abuse Ministry (SAM) of the archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity will offer a special Recovery Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis, at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.

“This is a Mass to pray for and support those who are struggling with addictions and their families,” said Brie Anne Varick, coordinator for the archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity.

“With Archbishop Thompson’s release of his pastoral letter ‘We are One in Christ’ [in February of 2018], he brought to light different issues that negatively affect the dignity of the human person, one of them being drug abuse.

“This is a crisis in our community today. This Mass highlights the importance of not ignoring the crisis but bringing awareness and support to those who are struggling with addictions of any kind.”

When asked why it’s important for the Church to offer such a Mass, Archbishop Thompson responded that “neither wounds, brokenness, addictions nor sins ever destroy or strip us of the dignity and sacredness of every person created in the image of God, something the Church has long defended.”

He recalled Pope Francis’ comparison of the Church to a field hospital, and his encouragement for Catholics to “reach out to those on the margins, the peripheries of society. Solidarity, especially with those who are poor, vulnerable and struggling, is a key principle of Catholic social teaching.”

Archbishop Thompson also noted that one of the important elements of celebrating the Mass is “to give thanks to God for gifts and blessings, even when we are hurting, struggling, afraid and uncertain about life. The power of the cross reminds us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, we have reason to hope and trust in the power of God to save, redeem and lift us up. Divine love does not disappoint.”

While SAM focuses on those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, “anyone suffering from an addiction or who has loved ones suffering from addiction of any kind are welcome” to the Mass, said Varick. “Even those who don’t know anyone personally suffering from addiction, but recognize the crisis in our community and want to come and pray and support, are most welcome.”

After the Mass, a reception with light refreshments and time for fellowship will be offered in the cathedral rectory parlor. Resources will also be available there.

“We want to reach those who are suffering from addiction and their families and loved ones, to let them know that they are not alone, that their faith community is here to welcome them and offer support,” said Varick. “We hope that those who attend will feel welcomed and experience healing and peace.”
 

(For planning purposes, an RSVP is requested for those planning on attending the Mass and reception. RSVP at 2019samrecoverymass.eventbrite.com. For more questions about the event, e-mail Keri Carroll at kcarroll@archindy.org, or call 800-382-9836, ext. 1521, or 317-236-1521. For more information about SAM, go to www.archindy.org/humanlifeanddignity, then select “Ministries” from the menu.) †