Addiction to alcohol and substances has become a national challenge that has touched men and women and children across all walks of life. Individuals suffering from addictions have reason to hope. As Pope Francis recently told a group of men and women at an addictions facility in Assisi, "You do not have to walk alone. God is with you."
For anyone in our parish who is struggling with addiction or has an addicted loved one there are several resources right here in Poolesville that provide support and hope.
So you left Church out of frustration over a message and an ideology you couldn't accept and nobody cared to listen. Or the behavior you noticed was such a contradiction. Perhaps someone you dearly loved was hurt or worse died and God was silent. You waited and waited for change but change never came. You felt like slowly but surely everything was falling apart and you just couldn't stay and watch. No matter how hard you tried to be interested, you couldn't keep your eyes and ears open long enough to matter and so you left or just didn't come back. Worse yet, you're still here but you're not.
What ever your case may be, you can still find that which is missing. That moment in time, when you could laugh and enjoy life. The moment when you sit by yourself thinking and suddenly smile about it.
You are loved by someone. You are loved by God. Just as your friend would never force himself upon you when you wanted to be alone, or just as your friend wouldn't just come on over to your house without feeling welcome, so too, God in the same way loves you so much that he would never force himself into your life. While God is with you always, the great friendship is missing.
Feed the body yet starve the soul means that at some point if your inner most being is left separated from God with no relationship, it will slowly kill the body as well. Maybe not physically but spiritually.
Come home! Forgive! Don't expect God's children to be perfect, because this is exactly why we needed Jesus!
"God's mercy triumphs over judgement." --James 2:13
Women and men who have been wounded by abortion have a loving church community to help them through this painful grieving process. Our Archdiocese has a wonderful program called Project Rachel. There are one-on-one meetings and group healing events which take place throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. These exact locations are confidential.
*Your calls and e-mails will be held with complete confidentiality. For more information:
Project Rachel Ministry
Helpline: 301-982-2008
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Project Rachel Ministry
P.O. Box 29260
Washington, DC 20017
“Rachel mourns for her children; she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward. There is hope for your future.” – Jeremiah 31:15-17