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WHAT IS CIR? 

Catholic in Recovery (CIR) of the Diocese of Lexington is a chapter of the internation program of Catholic in Recovery. CIR of the Diocese of Lexington is an approved Apostolate of the Diocese of Lexington. CIR seeks to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments (including alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, over-eating and various other addictions and compulsions). We at CIR understand. We have been there. We have found deliverance, recovery, healing, and new life through the help of twelve-step recovery and the Sacramental love, mercy and healing found in the faith of the Catholic Church. IT REALLY WORKS!! 

We also encourage additional participation in A.A. groups and various 12 step treatment programs and we work hand and hand with them. CIR is a bridge between these programs and there is no conflict. We hold weekly (confidential meetings) with the intention to draw people closer to the powerful sacramental and healing sources of grace found in our Catholic faith. THERE IS HOPE. 

The goal is to interact with others who have struggled or still struggle from a similar state of hopelessness and nurture a fellowship whose goal is to share the love of Christ and by the power.of the Holy Spirit help facilitate a personal encounter with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If you are reading this now and are suffering or know someone who may be suffering from the despair of addiction, or unhealthy compulsions or attachments, please do not hesitate to reach out. CIR facilitates  both a men’s and women’s meeting currently in Richmond and a men’s  meeting at the Newman Center in Lexington.

Honesty, Openness, and Willingness  are imperative. These components form the fabric of surrender and personal transformation through the grace of God. We lean from each other aided by the Holy Spirit how to grow and strengthen our commitment to the Lord.

Self-Discovery and Sacramental Healing – Freedom entails much more than abstaining from the source of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. We refrain from focusing on things outside of our control so that we may reflect upon our own behavior. Taking personal responsibility for the development of our spiritual lives compels us to rely on God and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Those seeking Sacramental healing will do so with a deeper understanding of their part healing and ultimate salvation.

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Mission Statement 

The mission of Catholic in Recovery is to provide hope and healing to individuals and families impacted by addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, ultimately bringing souls to Jesus Christ. 

  • Uniting those seeking recovery in fellowship by providing 12-step recovery meetings (in­ person and virtual meetings) rooted in Catholic faith and 12-step principles).
  • Hosting retreats and events where participants can grow closer to God and each other through the sacraments and fellowship through the sacraments and fellowship.
  • Providing information about the Physical and spiritual nature of addiction, the parallels between 12-step spirituality and the Catholic faith, and utilize refer Catholic resources that can support recovery from addiction, including the family spiritual disease of addiction. 
  • Encouraging and members to form a supportive relationship with a sponsor and educating members as to the importance of Woking work through the Twelve Steps and how Christs church and the Sacraments of the Catholic faith play a critical roll in our spiritual recovery. 
  • Educating and forming clergy, seminarians, and community leaders on how to support individuals and families impacted by addiction. 

Guiding Principles 

  • Community – Community is vital to recovery. Uniting those who have found personal freedom from addiction (or the family suffering from the spiritual disease of addiction) with individuals seeking help establishes a foundation where Christian fellowship is at its best. One has suffered from an unhealthy attachment sharing with another how he/she found freedom is how the Good News of Jesus Christ is spread. 
  • Spiritual Progress – Rather than establishing a foundation of perfection and seeking not to lose it, we have been given the order to seek progress in our lives. Identifying the need for help, even after symptoms of the addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment have been in remission, keeps us in right-relationship with God and others. 
  • Honesty, Openness, and Willingness – Those seeking to find sobriety, abstinence, or freedom from addiction tend to show glimpses of honesty, openness, and willingness. These components form the fabric of surrender and personal transformation through the grace of God. We lean on each other to build upon our commitment to the Lord. 
  • Self-Discovery and Sacramental Healing – Freedom entails much more than abstaining from the source of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. We refrain from focusing on things outside of our control so that we may reflect upon our own behavior. Taking personal responsibility for the development of our spiritual lives compels us to rely on God and the sacraments of the Church. Those seeking sacramental healing will do so with a deeper understanding of their part in salvation. 

Meet Brother John

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Br. John has dedicated his life to supporting individuals struggling with addiction since entering recovery in 1997 to deal with alcoholism, following a 14-year career as a Paramedic, Police Detective, and Commander. After a spiritual experience with Christ, he went through Protestant Seminary despite being cradle Catholic however, after a great deal of discernment Br. John concluded that the Catholic faith was the true faith and returned to the Church and continued working with those facing addiction, obsessions, and unhealthy attachments. He underwent formation under the guidance of a former Benedictine Abbot, lived a consecrated life for three years, and grew spiritually through both religious formation and the 12-step program. Since then he has worked with or been involved with several thousand suffering souls witnessing many countless miracles in recovery.

Currently, Br. John leads a privately consecrated life, committed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He follows a rule of life submitted to the Bishop and has taken private vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience and a fourth vow to be a loving brother to all especially the suffering and broken. His work is focused on helping those suffering from addiction through the Church’s Apostolate Catholic in Recovery which takes individuals suffering from various addictions compulsions an unhealthy attachments to the 12 steps and the Sacraments of the Catholic faith. 

Brother John’s predominant belief is that love is the answer. God’s love found in the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Br. John is available at all times to provide support and guidance, and is dedicated to sharing the love and healing found in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

If you are interested in attending or helping to start a CIR meeting at the Cathedral or just want additional information, please contact: 

Br. John 

(859) 661-9846 

cirkentucky@gmail.com