iTHIRST Initiative

Recovery, Spirituality, 12 steps

catholic

By

Mary, Mother of Recovery, Finding Strength Through Marian Devotion- CIR Webinar

A Catholic in Recovery Webinar with Keaton Douglas and Brother Pius Gagne

Join here.

 

Understanding Marian Devotion in Recovery: Learn how devotion to Our Lady can support your recovery journey.
Spiritual Strength & Encouragement: Discover how Mary’s example of humility and surrender speaks to the recovery process.
Practical Devotional Practices: Explore ways to incorporate Marian prayer and devotion into daily recovery.
Faith & Recovery Integration: Reflect on how Marian spirituality complements 12-step principles.
Hope Through Our Lady’s Intercession: Be reminded that Mary walks with us as a loving mother and guide.

By Leave a Comment

TV series taped in Long Hill shines hope on addiction

James Manieri, 53, was raised as a good, faithful Catholic young man in northern New Jersey and had even served as an altar server. But taking a dentist’s prescription of Vicodin at 28 years old sent him on a 15-year downward spiral of addiction, including to cocaine and heroin, and hunger and homelessness.

All that time, Manieri scraped out a life on city streets, including in Paterson, N.J., and spent time in rehab facilities, homeless shelters, and psych wards. He had been robbed, sexually assaulted, and beaten; had made two suicide attempts; and had almost died twice because of overdoses.

more

TV series taped in Long Hill shines hope on addiction

By Leave a Comment

Registration is now open for Spiritual Companionship Certification Training: Spring 2026 Session

Classes Start January 20th

Don’t miss this opportunity!

This groundbreaking training, certified through Seton Hall University’s division of continuing education and Professoinal Studies is now in its 6th year!

Don’t miss this opportunity to become an iTHIRST Certified Spiritual Companion. You’ll join the over 1,000 people qualified to assist individuals suffering from addictions and their families, across 13 different nations, 47 states, 8 different Native American reservations, Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.

Upcoming Session

Tuesday/Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Spring 2026: January 20 through March 12

Cost of Program: $675

Discounts are available for Seton Hall alumni. Interested alumni should email CEPS@shu.edu for more information. 

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.

Learn more:

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.

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

“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

Reel: