Statement by the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on National Restoration Month

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September is National Recovery Month, a time when we celebrate those who have successfully recovered and continue to support those who are still working on it. Meanwhile, we, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, renew our commitment to help those who suffer from various forms of addiction and we call on all Catholics and people of goodwill to join us in praying, supporting and encouraging these. work on recovery.

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

The New Jersey Catholic Church is committed to removing this stigma. Every day, our Catholic charitable agencies and various social service programs do a tremendous job of providing comprehensive addictions services. These efforts are rooted in the belief that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves 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 drug addiction, parishes face challenges that leave clergy, church staff, and volunteers asking, “How? “

To help parish communities, a group of multi-diocesan representatives – people with expertise in addiction / recovery ministry, parish life, and public policy – have developed resources to help parishes pastorally meet needs. spirituality of those who suffer. These resources provide ideas and information on outreach as well as addiction and recovery ministries in parishes, wherever they are located statewide.

To access these resources, parishes can go to https://njcatholic.org/substance-abuse.

Entrusted to the intercession of our Blessed Mother and of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of people suffering from drug addiction, we hope that these resources will enable each parish to bring much-loved help and accompaniment to individuals and families.

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

Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM
Bishop, Diocese of Trenton

Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan

Bishop, Diocese of Camden

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney
Bishop of Paterson

Bishop James F. Checchio
Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen

Monsignor Kurt Burnette
Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

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

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