The iTHIRST Spiritual Companion initiative has begun with a pilot training program in the diocese for anyone who has a desire to walk with families and individuals struggling with the spiritual disease of substance use disorder.
This Seton Hall University-certified training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to support those struggling with substance use disorder, those in recovery and family members affected by their loved ones’ addiction.
Currently, the iTHIRST pilot program in the diocese has nearly 40 participants, including two deacons and one priest representing 15 parishes. At the end of the training, each participant will be required to pass an exam to earn their certification.
The implementation plan for iTHIRST spiritual companionship in the diocese is currently being developed by Tammy Foeller, Katy Wyatt, Lori Crock and Father Tony Lonzo, the group’s chaplain.
Once the training is completed, priests who oversee deaneries will be provided with information to share with their parishes. iTHIRST Spiritual Companions will then serve families at both the parish and diocesan levels.
The iTHIRST program, which is an initiative of the Missionary Servants of the Holy Trinity, recognizes that addiction is not only a physical and mental health issue but a spiritual issue. By providing faith-based, compassionate guidance, trained spiritual companions serve individuals recovering from substance use disorder and their families with their spirituality as a source of hope, healing and purpose.
“The darkest days of my life were spent bearing the pain of my daughter’s addiction, with no place to share my grief,” said Foeller, who has been dedicated to bringing iTHIRST to the diocese. “A spiritual companion would have been a source of light during those times. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the way I did. I am humbled by the opportunity to walk beside someone who doesn’t want to remain in the darkness.”
Substance use disorder affects millions of people worldwide, and its impact extends to family, friends and communities. The journey to recovery is often long and challenging, requiring not only professional help but personal support that addresses the whole person: mind, body and spirit.
Recognizing the lack of spiritual care in conventional recovery programs, iTHIRST’s training is designed to fill this gap by creating a network of trained individuals who provide spiritual companionship for those in recovery. The focus on spiritual healing addresses the fundamental human need for connection, purpose, and inner peace that is often neglected in traditional addiction treatment programs.
For more information, contact Wyatt at kwyatt@olp-parish.org or 614-352-9729.