Substance Addiction Ministry

The creation of the Substance Addiction Ministry (SAM) was a direct response to the 1992 pastoral letter of the U.S. Bishops titled “Communities of Hope: Parishes and Substance Abuse.” This ministry was established in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to offer hope, healing and reconciliation to both the “afflicted” and the “affected.”

• Addiction is a symptom of the absence of spirituality that disconnects a person from self, loved ones, and God.
• The Substance Addition Ministry's mission is to help these people re-connect with self, loved ones, and God. This mission hinges on 3 principles: Prayer, Presentation and Personal Presence. SAM provides support, acceptance, understanding and healing to those touched by addiction.
• No addict wants to be an addict.

Substance Addiction

Substance addiction is not a moral problem or weakness. The American Medical Association (AMA) classifies alcohol and drug dependence as a primary disease, characterized by distinct stages of development, with specific signs and symptoms. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Alcohol and drug addiction has become an epidemic in our society. The entire family is “affected,” not just the ‘‘afflicted’‘ member. Addiction is an illness that devastates the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Spirituality

You are welcome to join us and pray with the SAM ministry at the current parishes. Anyone suffering from addiction, or who has a loved one who does, deserves our love, our prayers, and our support. The identity of those seeking support from the SAM ministry will remain anonymous.

First Wedneday of every month – 6:00 p.m.
 St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church
 320 McMurray Road
 Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Pray the rosary before the Before the Blessed Sacrament, from 6-6:30 pm and then from 6:30-7:00 pm there will be a SAM gathering for those seeking support and fellowship in the Bishop Leonard Room. 

Every Monday – 2:00-3:00 p.m.
 St. Thomas More Catholic Church
 Lamb of God Chapel
 126 Fort Couch Road
 Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Committed adoration time reserved for SAM of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Indiviual prayer before the Blessed Saacrament for those affected/afflicted with addiction.

Grief Support Group

A support group for those who have lost a loved one to the disease of addiction is now available. The group provides a safe space to share, listen and heal for those experiencing a loss due to addiction. It is open to all persons regardless of their faith or religion. The group meets at St. Louise de Marillac Church, Le Gras Parish Center on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00pm. Please contact Glenn at gr_phillips@msn.com for more information and to confirm meeting dates.

Six Steps to SANITY

Six Steps to SANITY is a 12-week, faith-based program designed to help parents, step-parents, grandparents, spouses, and family members who have an adult loved one suffering from the disease of alcoholism or addiction. It is designed to bring hope, healing, and serenity to those impacted by the addiction of a loved one, and help develop healthy ways to relate and respond to them. For more information, contact Nancy or Bruce Shea at bruceandnancy6@gmail.com.

Additional Resources

National Catholic Council on Addictions:
nccatoday.org or call 1-800-626-6910

Alcoholics Anonymous:
aa.org

Al-Anon Family Groups:
al-anon.org

Narcotics Anonymous:
na.org

Nar-Anon Family Groups:
nar-anon.org

 

For more information about the SAM Ministry, please contact
 Joanne Mace at joannemace@verizon.net for more information.