HEALING FOR THE AFFLICTED
Zubik offers Mass for healing in launch of a new ministry
The Rev. Michael Decewicz performs the sacrament of anointing of the sick on Sarah Ryan, 20, of the South Side and her 4-week-old son, Blaise Ryan, as they attend the Mass for Healing From Addiction on Sunday at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Ms. Ryan, now in recovery and living with her baby in a treatment facility on the South Side, jumped at the chance for her and her child to be anointed in this special rite for people in recovery or struggling with addiction. Father Decewicz, who is in recovery from alcohol abuse himself, will lead the new addiction recovery ministry within the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Visit post-gazette.com for a video report.
When about 200 people gathered Sunday at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland for Mass for Healing from Addiction, they didn’t get a scolding from the pulpit.
Rather, they received a prayer for healing as they lined up and came forward to receive the Roman Catholic sacrament of the anointing of the sick with oil.
“Addiction is a disease,” said the Rev. Michael Decewicz, who preached at the Mass and is himself a recovering alcoholic. “It is a progressive, fatal disease. It cannot be cured. It can be treated.”
And it’s to support that healing process that the Diocese of Pittsburgh not only held the Mass but also marked the formal launch of its Addiction Recovery Ministry, to be led by Father Decewicz.
“I could feel God’s presence” during the anointing, said Ernie Zeh of West Deer. “I think the church needs to take a step like this to try to help people. I’m in recovery. I can use all the help I can get.”
The Mass, similar to one a year ago, was held in support of “the addicted and the afflicted,” said Father Decewicz, referring both to those in recovery and to the loved ones of those struggling with addictions, including those who are mourning loved ones who have died from overdoses or other deaths due to addictions.
Bishop David Zubik, who presided at the Mass, echoed the sentiment with his opening remarks.
“You are not alone. We stand with you,” he said.
The Addiction Recovery Ministry will be based in Sharpsburg at the John Paul I Center, a community building at one of the churches in a grouping of parishes in the lower Allegheny Valley, where Father Decewicz is assigned.
It will offer 12-Step recovery groups for those dealing with addictions, as well as support groups for their families. It also will organize educational sessions around the Diocese of Pittsburgh and services such as a referral program to connect someone new in recovery with a compatible sponsor, a support
person with more experience in recovery.
“Our goal is to have a holistic approach to addiction ministry,” Father Decewicz said.
In his homily, Father Decewicz recounted his own journey toward recovery, saying he was terrified when he first admitted his addiction to alcohol, but that he experienced “the grace of desperation” to begin a path toward recovery.
Among those attending was a small group of mothers with their infants, who are participating in a Familylinks residential recovery program for women with children.
“It was hopeful,” said Sarah Ryan, who received the anointing for the sick and also brought her newborn son for a blessing. “That’s why we came here, to get blessed. Praying is a big part of recovery.”