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Recovery Ministries
By Jody Guerra, Chair
The Diocese of West Texas Recovery Ministries has been behind the scenes providing recovery services for the past 60 + years.
The Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas began in 1941, when the Rt. Rev. Everett Jones, 6th Bishop of West Texas and at that time rector of St. Mark's in San Antonio, first learned of the seminal Twelve Step recovery program Alcoholics Anonymous. Co-founded in 1935 by Bill W(ilson) and Dr. Bob (Smith), AA was grounded in the spiritual roots of the Oxford Movement. The Rev. Dr. Sam Shoemaker, rector of Calvary Episcopal in New York, acted as spiritual guide in those earliest years. Following his 1943 consecration to lead the diocese, Bishop Jones advanced the idea of holding recovery services in the church, leading somewhat later to the first Spiritual Retreat in Recovery at Camp Capers, October 7, 1961.
Recognizing that alcoholism, drug dependency, co-dependency, eating disorders and other addictions affect many persons in our community, Recovery Ministries is committed to offering hope through ongoing awareness, education, and support including resources, referrals, and emotional and spiritual support. Confidentiality is paramount within Recovery Ministries.
Events:
Recovery Sundays highlight the mission and resources available to many churches throughout the diocese. Through education and outreach, people in need are gaining access to the tools they need to successfully navigate the road back from addiction.
Spiritual Retreats in Recovery provide a safe place to deepen one’s spiritual journey – open to anyone in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, or other abuses and behaviors, as well as to families and friends affected by the disease of addiction.
We all know someone – spouse, family member, co-worker, friend, etc. – who is in recovery or may be struggling, perhaps even that face in the mirror. Members of various Twelve Step programs (AA, Al Anon, NA, CA, ACA, etc.) come together to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other in this community of love and support. We explore and share what it was like, what happened, and what we are like now.
Providing education to all parishioners, connecting members with vital resources, and augmenting recovery with the chance to connect with others in beautiful Hill Country and Beachside locations, the ministry has been instrumental to thousands in need over the years and continues to deepen spiritual healing for those in search of the grace of God in their lives.
Visit the event page to learn more about the upcoming Spiritual Retreats in Recovery retreat scheduled for the weekend of October 3-5 at Mustang Island Conference Center.
Resources
Click here to learn more about Recovery Ministries and access resources.
Support Groups – Are you searching for a support group? Many diocesan churches host support groups, and each Thursday at noon, an Al-Anon meeting is held in the Halff Room at the Bishop Jones Center in San Antonio. Recovery Ministries can provide recommendations on a support group that best accommodates your needs.
If you have a question or need assistance, contact Recovery Ministries at dwtxsrr@gmail.com
