Calix

“Come Back Home”

Calix is a national association of Catholic alcoholics who are maintaining their sobriety through affiliation and participation in the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Our first concern is to interest Catholics with an alcohol problem in the virtue of local total abstinence. Our second stated purpose is to promote the spiritual development of our members.”

While 12 Step programs are critical and valuable in obtaining & maintaining sobriety, many Catholics find there is something missing. The recourse to a ‘higher Power’ in 12 Step programs is necessarily non-denominational. Having been raised in a church richin tradition, dogma, and ritual, these recovering alcoholics/addicts and their family & friends begin to yearn once again for their faith. Calix emphasizes the role of faith and
the Catholic Church in recovery.

But Calix is NOT a substitute for AA (or other 12 Step programs). All alcoholics/ addicts who participate in Calix are strongly encouraged to continue attending AA meetings to maintain their sobriety.

Members of a Calix group participate in the frequent celebration of the Liturgy, reception of the Sacraments, participation in Holy Hours, Days of Recollection, and retreats, as well as personal prayer and meditation.

In addition to Catholics in recovery, Calix welcomes other alcoholics, not members of our faith, or any other non-alcoholics who are concerned with the illness of alcoholism
and wish to join with us in prayer for our stated purpose.

Calix is open and inclusive – one does not have to be Catholic or even religious. The hope of course, is that through ‘attraction’ an individual may at some point want to explore Catholicism – but there is no effort to convert anyone.

The other point is that you do not have to be the person suffering from substance abuseor addiction – it can be a friend or family member. Like Al-Anon, Calix can help individuals who have an alcoholic/addict in their lives cope.

Quick Questions
1. Do I have to be Catholic? Although Calix draws from Catholicism, a member need
not be Catholic
2. Do I have to have a religion? No
3. Do I have to be an alcoholic? No
4. What if I'm the friend/family member of a person who has a problem? Any
person who is afflicted ot affected by alcoholism is welcome.
5. Does my alcoholic friend, spouse, parent (family member) have to be a part of
Calix? No

The Calix Society at St Catherine Laboure parish will meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:45 in La Gras Hall. All are encouraged to attend Mass prior (7 PM) as well as
avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration in the Church.

For more information, please contact Frank Ruggieri at 412-260-9591 or [email protected]