Saint Teresa of Avila said, “Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.”

The We Thirst series is a journey of self-knowledge. It includes a thorough exploration of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual nature of human beings, especially in the context of addiction. Session one begins the journey with an in-depth look at the ways that the brain responds to addictive substances and behaviors. In an age of social media, cell phones, and highly addictive prescription drugs, this is important for everyone to know and understand. This session's virtue is prudence, to help discern how to respond reasonably and effectively.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

We are all made in the image and likeness of God. So why is it often so difficult to see that image within ourselves and others? Session two explains the psychological defenses that we all use to cope with or avoid pain and the ways substances further confuse our already complicated personalities and behaviors. We’ll be encouraged to remove our masks, let our guards down, and let the image of God within shine forth for all to see and know. Session two introduces the virtue of empathy, to help practice seeing through the eyes of another.

“The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit (CCC 2205).




The Catechism gives an ideal image of the Christian family, which is often difficult to attain, even under the best circumstances. What happens when the family system is infected by the “family disease” of addiction? Session three explores the emotional upsets that disrupt the system, such as blame, shame, anger, guilt, and grief, and ways to restore the system to health so that the family can begin to work towards that beautiful image we all strive for. The virtue of courage will be introduced because it takes courage to face our fears and love at all costs.

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Saint Augustine



Saint Augustine knew well that when we stop trying to fill ourselves with people, places, and things, we will discover God and be set free from all that binds us — to live and love as He does. Session four is a beautiful spiritual journey (complete with a candle-lighting service!) that explores our restlessness, which is too easily masked by our modern distractions. This session also explains why spirituality is an important part of the recovery process and how it came to be at the foundation of so many recovery programs. The theological virtues of faith, hope, and love will be introduced to remind us that all things rest firmly in the hands of God.


“The Church is called to work with all people of goodwill against the discrimination of [those suffering from drug addiction].” 2001, Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care (Church: Drugs and Drug Addiction)



Too often, people cannot see the connection between the Church and addiction. Those who are struggling (and their loved ones) are often treated like modern-day lepers, and many still believe that attempts to help with this problem are out of the realm of the Church. Session five explores the Catholic Church’s stance on the matter and the many documents that have expressed the need for a Church response to this growing problem. The virtue of justice will be introduced to remind us of our obligation to ensure that all of God’s children may live to their full potential.