| iTHIRST Initiative and Catholic in Recovery Announce Second International Virtual Summit for Addiction Prevention and Spiritual Accompaniment |
| TENNESSEE & NEW JERSEY — iTHIRST Initiative, and Catholic in Recovery two established leaders in recovery ministry, announce Reclaiming Our Belovedness: A Catholic Response to Addiction, a full-day international virtual summit on Friday, September 25, 2026.This full-day international virtual summit brings together clergy, diocesan leaders, mental-health professionals, recovery ministers and laity for a day of formation, worship, and practical workshops. This summit demonstrates the growing momentum of faith-integrated recovery support and the deep hunger within the Church for leadership in this area.Pope Leo XIV calls the Church to establish comprehensive programs that reach out to those “enslaved by addiction,” offering them medical treatment, psychological support, and sustained rehabilitation. Most critically, he emphasizes that such programs must help individuals “rediscover and live anew the fullness of their God-given dignity.” This multidisciplinary approach—integrating spiritual formation, pastoral care, and recovery support—forms the foundation of both CIR and iTHIRST’s integrated mission to companion those on the journey from addiction to wholeness.This collaborative event reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to Pope Leo XIV’s vision of comprehensive recovery and spiritual accompaniment for those struggling with addiction. Guest Speakers include EWTN‘s Fr. John Paul Mary, Thomas J. Plante, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Religious Studies and the Jesuit School of Theology, Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix, author Jean Heaton, and more. Details: catholicinrecovery.com/2026-summitA Partnership Bearing FruitCatholic in Recovery and iTHIRST are not new collaborators in this mission. Over the past several years, the two organizations have partnered on training, formation, and parish support efforts across the United States.”Our previous summit demonstrated the power of a united Catholic response to addiction,” said Scott Weeman, Founder of Catholic in Recovery. “Pope Leo XIV’s call for dignified, comprehensive recovery care confirms the work we have already been doing and challenges us to widen our reach so that more families, parishes, and communities can experience the healing and hope that comes through faith-centered recovery.”“CIR and iTHIRST share the same heartbeat,” added Keaton Douglas, Founder of iTHIRST. “We have been working side by side to form spiritual companions, equip leaders, and support parishes. The Holy Father’s call affirms the urgency of expanding the mission we have already begun together.”Register Now About iTHIRST InitiativeABOUT iTHIRST: The iTHIRST initiative empowers dioceses, parishes and communities to become a resource for those suffering from addictions and their families. At the heart of iTHIRST is understanding that there is a spiritual dimension to the disease of addiction that cannot be met by clinical professionals, but only by the spiritual consolation and guidance that the Church can provide. iTHIRST is an initiative of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity a religious community of priests and brothers who serve the poor and abandoned. For over 104 years, the Missionary Servants have served the poor, the abandoned, and those suffering from addiction and their families. Now, through this innovative formation effort, they are empowering local faith leaders to bring spiritual consolation and recovery resource information to communities where clinical and governmental support is scarce.Learn more at www.iTHIRSTinitiative.org. About Catholic in RecoveryCatholic in Recovery (CIR) is an international Catholic apostolate serving individuals and families impacted by addiction, unhealthy attachments, and compulsive behaviors. Integrating 12-step wisdom with the sacramental life of the Church, CIR provides meetings, retreats, leader training, and recovery resources for parishes and communities. Learn more at www.CatholicinRecovery.com. |
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