Addiction and Substance Abuse

September is National Recovery Month, a time during which we celebrate those who have achieved recovery and continue our support of those still working toward it. During this time, we, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, are renewing our commitment to helping those suffering from various forms of addiction and we are calling on all Catholics and people of good will to join us in praying for, supporting, and encouraging those working toward recovery.

Too often, those suffering from an addiction erroneously believe that they have failed and are unworthy of love, dignity, and respect. As a result, they suffer in solitude.  It is a stigma that engulfs their lives and hinders recovery.  

The Catholic Church in New Jersey is committed to removing this stigma. Every day, our Catholic Charities Agencies and various social service programs do tremendous work in providing comprehensive addiction services. These efforts are rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image and likeness of God and deserving of a better life filled with His love.

Parishes and faith communities are often the first encounter for many individuals and families who seek help. Given the complexity of the addiction, parishes face challenges that leave clergy, parish staff, and volunteers to ask, “How?” 

To assist parish communities, a group of multi-diocesan representatives - individuals with expertise in addiction/recovery ministry, parish life, and public policy - have developed resources intended to help parishes respond pastorally to the spiritual needs of those suffering.  These resources provide ideas and information on building awareness as well as addiction and recovery ministries in parishes wherever they may be located throughout the state.

Entrusted to the intercession of our Blessed Mother and Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron of those suffering from addiction, we hope these resources will enable each parish to provide much-needed assistance and loving accompaniment to individuals and families.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop, Diocese of Trenton

Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan
Bishop, Diocese of Camden

Most Rev. Kevin J. Sweeney
Bishop of Paterson

Most Reverend James F. Checchio
Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen

Most Reverend Kurt Burnette
Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash
Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

Statement in Spanish
 

Disclaimer

****Please take special note:  The resource guides provided here have information on various Federal, State and County agencies as well as private organizations and/or ministries – both Catholic and non-Catholic.  The inclusion of any agency or organization’s name and information does not constitute endorsement or recommendation of the resources or the information, products, or services provided by the resource on the part of by the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC), the Arch/Dioceses, or the New Jersey Catholic Committee on Addiction and Recovery Ministries (NJ CC~ARM).  The NJCC, Arch/Dioceses and NJ CC~ARM do not have full knowledge of or experience with the services provided by each and every resource listed in the available resource guides.  The NJCC, Arch/Dioceses and NJ CC~ARM also do not exercise any control over the content on any resource websites or of the services they provide.***