ADDICTIONS

From Dads.org Newsletter:  check the http://dads.org/ website for more information

(see also https://www.mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/ca/  for treatment centers.

Thousands of men receiving this newsletter are struggling with sexual sin, especially a habit of viewing Internet pornography. Successfully overcoming a pornography habit usually isn't an instantaneous zap from the Holy Spirit. For most, it is a gradual process that requires a renewed prayer and sacramental life, a healing process, and the humility to avail oneself of the human help that most men require to assist them in a successful recovery.

Later this spring, Mark Laaser is offering fly-in 3-day intensives for men. These intensives have proven phenomenally effective in helping to overcome sexual addictions: http://www.faithfulandtrueministries.com/workshops.php. If you are struggling with a sexual addiction, why not make it your Lenten action step to sign-up for one these intensive workshops?

The ideal combination to experience lasting change is a 3-day intensive with Mark Laaser followed up with participation in a weekly tele-group led by Fr. John Mulvey, or a local accountability group. The anonymous tele-groups are a great first step for anyone who needs to get support. To contact Fr. Mulvey, send an email to: yourcoach1@comcast.net, or visit his website at www.counselingfamilies.com

Every man receiving this letter should keep the information on the intensives and tele-groups readily available. Even if you don't have a struggle in this area, remember that approximately 50% of the men in your parish do.

For this year's spring cleaning, don't just clean out the garage. With the aid of God's abundant grace, help yourself and others take the necessary steps to clean hearts as well.

COMMENTARY

When I worked as the I.T. Director of a school district, I was responsible for keeping inappropriate Internet sites from getting to students. I was shocked to find out what was available even in the early Internet days. Sometimes I found myself looking at the porno sites more than I needed to set up blocks for them. To avoid this I set up a filter on my home computer and gave my wife the password so I couldn't look any more than I needed. It wasn't as simple at work. I prayed and tried to limit my site control work to what was absolutely necessary. I also confessed going overboard as needed. It took longer than I hoped to put this issue behind. I agree with the author above that it takes "renewed prayer and sacramental life" to overcome any repetitious sin. Many addictions are waiting for us especially when we have a void in our life that should have been filled with God but is not. The more we make God a major part of our life, the fewer voids there will be waiting for something ungodly to fill them. The Saints were filled with the love of God. There was no room for addictions.