Programs
Education and Prevention: Spiritual Companionship Training- Classes Start January 20th!
“Education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul.” St. Augustine
Through our comprehensive, faith-based approach to education, we want to transform the way the Catholic Church understands addiction. Through the programs below, parishes and communities educate the Catholic community on the nature of substance use disorders, in age-appropriate language, and demonstrate how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool of prevention.
In addition, we offer formation for laity and clergy to equip them as Certified Spiritual Companions capable of supporting addicted individuals and their families thirsting for relief, thereby helping parishes and dioceses impacted by the scourge of addiction.
Our Education programs include:
- School/ Parish Programs
- Catechetical Programs
- Catholic Campus Ministry Program
- Pastoral Care Guide
Online iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Certification Training
“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” – Psalm 42:1
Classes meet Tues & Thurs evenings 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Our spiritual companions walk with those suffering from the weight of addiction on their healing journey. We have partnered with Seton Hall University to provide certification training for those who want to become spiritual companions.
Participants will learn:
- Why addiction is a spiritual disease
- The relationship of mind, body and spirit in the healing journey
- Pastoral care strategies for serving the addicted and their families
- Spiritual healing through the 12 Steps
- And more.
Click here to watch how trained and certified iTHIRST Spiritual Companions are affecting the lives of those suffering from addictions throughout the Church of Boston.
Continuing Education and Professional Studies
“The iTHIRST program has exceeded my expectations. So relevant for our times when many people, families and communities are impacted by addiction whether from substance abuse, video gaming, gambling and many other unhealthy attachments. The program offers a unique scriptural approach based on the successful 12 Step Recovery Program.
Interesting subject material presented in a lively, dynamic and interactive format. Opportunities for small group discussion in a supportive environment. This program can benefit those impacted by any form of addiction as well as those seeking to learn more about this subject. The iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Training is a great resource for understanding the roots and nature of addiction and path to recovery.”
Nancy H., Boston, MA, 2021 Alumnus
Curriculum
Training Guide
- Section 1 – The Journey from Love, Grace and Freedom to Fear and Enslavement
- Section 2 – Mind, Body and Spirit
- Section 3 – Loving Through Pain
- Section 4 – Finding the Road to Hope
- Section 5 – Healing through the Twelve Steps
- Section 6 – Grace and Healing
According to CDC.gov
In 2024, 80,391 people died of drug overdoses. Approximately 60% involved the synthetic opioid, illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
Support for Treatment Facilities and the Incarcerated
Through our outreach, those in withdrawal management, long-term treatment and those who are incarcerated encounter the concept of spirituality as a necessary dimension of wellness. They have the opportunity to develop a spiritual ‘roadmap’ that enables them to find a Higher Power, even in the midst of their struggles – and allow it to change them.
Representatives formed by iTHIRST speak to those who are incarcerated and in essence, “sow the seeds” of spirituality by addressing spirituality as a “system of beliefs, existing outside of ourselves, from which we draw a moral code.” Some examples of topics include “Spiritual Breadcrumbs – Learning to Find Joy and Spiritual Nourishment in the Day to Day”; “Learning the Art of Self Forgiveness”; “Focusing on our Inner Good” and “The Road to Hope – Making the Journey from Anger and Fear Back to Love.”
Through our programs, those who have not experienced a faith tradition or who have been so turned off by ‘religion,’ still have an opportunity to find a healthy relationship with something outside of themselves, a God of their understanding by finding Him in things other than the ‘God concept.’
We strive to bring light, hope, and joy to those who have been in the darkness and despair, often because of their substance use disorders or other challenges which have led them to this point of incarceration.
According to NIDA
In 2024, more than 90,000 persons died of alcohol related causes.
Aftercare and Community Building
“The power of grace is nowhere as brilliant nor as mystical as in communities of faith. Its power includes not just love that comes from people and through people, but love that pours forth among people.”
Dr. Gerald G. May.
Some of the challenges that come from substance addiction do not end with sobriety. For that reason, I THIRST seeks to accompany former addicted persons through the following programs, aimed at providing community, formation, and support.
- Catholic Recovery Coaching (Spiritual Companionship)
- Retreat Programs
- Recovery Bible Study
- Spirituality of the Big Book Study
- Recovery Mass and Intercessory Prayer Session
- Winter Wheat Sober Community Living
- Winter Wheat Alumni Ministry
- Family and Friends Support Group
- Mercy House
- Special Events
According to samhsa.gov
In 2024, 44.3 million Americans aged 12 and older were current illegal drug users.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in the work of iTHIRST.
If you want to learn more about bringing I Thirst to your community, please click here.
If you want to donate to bring assistance and accompaniment to more individuals and their families, please click here.
CALL US:
973-370-DRUG (3784)
For all other inquiries, please fill out the form below and we look forward to being in touch with you soon.