Now available with Spanish subtitles!
Hope Begins Here
Watch the trailer to discover how We Thirst inspires faith-filled responses to addiction through education, formation, and compassion.
We strive to offer this program freely or at reduced cost to parishes in need. Your support helps make that possible.
An Adult Faith Program That Is
Relevant, Educational, and Spiritually Moving
For decades, the Church has called us to respond to the suffering caused by substance use and addiction — to serve, to love, and to heal. These are the afflicted whom Christ came to save.
We Thirst: Christian Reflections on Addiction is a beautiful and ecumenical adult faith formation program that has moved hearts and minds across the country since 2015. More than an educational series, it’s a spiritual experience — one that opens minds, deepens faith, and inspires action.
Each of the five sessions combines:
Powerful educational presentations
Reflective prayer and music
Thought-provoking imagery
A virtue to guide the Christian response
Participants consistently walk away renewed in faith, hope, and love.
Who is it for? Everyone.
Whether you are clergy or lay, professional or not, directly impacted or simply longing to understand — this program is for you. The truth is, we all influence one another, and we are all called to be part of the solution.
Everything you need is provided, including videos, handouts, music links, and prayer cards — making it simple to bring to your parish, group, or home.
THE FIVE SESSIONS
Understanding Addiction With Faith, Hope, and Love
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Session 1: The First Step -- Understanding
Addiction is complex, and often misunderstood. In this session, we take a closer look at how it affects the brain and body, helping us move beyond assumptions and toward compassion.
Virtue: Prudence — understanding rightly so we can respond with love.
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Session 2: Seeing With Empathy
Addiction is often rooted in deep emotional and psychological pain. This session explores how trauma, mental health challenges, and disordered behaviors can cloud — but never erase — the image of God within each person.
Virtue: Empathy — recognizing the dignity of each person and responding with compassion.
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Session 3: One Body in Christ
Addiction doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts families, parishes, and communities. We look at the social realities surrounding addiction and our call to respond as one Body.
Virtue: Courage — facing difficult truths and choosing to love anyway.
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Session 4: We All Thirst
Deep within each of us is a longing — a thirst for something greater than ourselves. In this session, we reflect on that universal desire and consider how some may seek to quench it in ways that offer only temporary relief.
Faith, Hope, and Love — the gifts that ground us, move us, and open us to others.
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Session 5: A People AFIRE
Those who have encountered Christ are never the same — we are set afire by the Holy Spirit, moved to love, serve, and bring hope to others. In this final session, we reflect on what it means to live that calling in a world deeply in need of mercy, healing, and hope.
Justice — recognizing every person as a child of God and responding accordingly.
What People Are Saying . . .
“Beyond my highest expectation’ is the best way to describe bringing WE THIRST: Christian Reflections on Addiction, as a virtual series, to the Diocese of Camden (NJ) Church Community and the Catholic Charities organization.”
— Jo Anne B. Farrell, RN, MSN, CTP, CPRS Addictions Healing Services Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, NJ
“I found Nina’s presentations extremely helpful and faith-filled. It is my expectation that anyone who attends this series will leave inspired and informed. I would recommend this series to anyone.”
— Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Garvin, Pastor, St. Christopher Parish, Philadelphia and former Executive Director, Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
“We Thirst is one of the most informative, and spiritually uplifting programs that I have ever experienced! I cannot begin to imagine how many people will be helped by this series.”
— Rev. Dr. John A. Krivak, Ph.D., Ed.D., Allentown Diocese, Pennsylvania
Debra Cooper, MSW, LSW, We Thirst Attendee, St. Pius X Parish, Broomall, PA
“This series will change your life, strengthen your relationship with God, provide you with tools for action in recovery, and fill you with hope!”
Sharon Butler, Saint Isidore Parish, Quakertown, PA
“This program is for everyone! It will open up your heart, your mind, and your understanding to want to have a deeper relationship with God and a commitment to help your community.”
Meet the Creator
Nina is a Catholic speaker, author, artist, and the founder of AFIRE Ministries. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fordham University and a Master’s in Christian Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago, with additional training in addiction counseling.
We Thirst grew out of her years of academic study, personal experience, and deep love for those impacted by addiction — especially those who sit anonymously in our pews, longing for hope and healing.
Learn more about Nina HERE.
Bring hope to your parish, community, or family
Get any time access to this educational and inspirational video series.
