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Day 1
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The Pathway to Recovery

Module 1 of 90

Day 1

To finish today's module, listen to the day's recording, complete the highlighted prayers, reflections, and activities, and share what's on your heart and mind on today's discussion board.

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PRAY

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it.

Trusting that You will make all things right,
if I surrender to Your will.

That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with You forever
in the next. Amen.

Third Step Prayer

God, I offer myself to Thee – to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life.
May I do Thy will always!

Discover more prayers to strengthen your recovery and faith.

REFLECT

Good evening, Friend
June 24
Daily Reflection
Saint of the Day
Daily Reflection
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Mass during the Day
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Mass during the Day
Saint of the Day
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Mass during the Day

In today’s readings, we are reminded that we are to be a “light to the nations” just as Saint John the Baptist became a light that shined and prepared the way for Christ (Isaiah 49:6). In the first reading, God describes how He, through the prophet Isaiah, forms us in the womb and reveals His glory as His lights when we serve Him.

“Before birth the LORD called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword, concealed me, shielded by his hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, in his quiver he hid me. He said to me, You are my servant, in you, Israel, I show my glory” (Isaiah 49:1-3).

We are called from the womb for a purpose. Like Saint John who went on to proclaim God’s son as the light of all nations and became a man of great purpose.

Helpless and hopeless in our addiction, we remained concealed and unaware of our name before God. Yet, through our baptism, God gave us a name and prepared us for battle as a sharp-edged sword. In order to know God’s calling and to embrace our names, though, we have to be quiet in prayer and listen to His voice. In these moments of grace, we can hear His call and a light will be ignited inside us so we can share that light with all in our recovery. In other words, when we are most vulnerable, admitting that we are powerless over our addiction and that only God can bring us to sanity, we begin to hear our names as beloved children of God for the purpose of glorifying Him.

 

Reflection Questions

  • What did it feel like when you couldn’t hear God’s voice in the chaos of your addiction? How did God’s voice break through into your life, giving you a name and purpose?
  • What might you do today to fulfill your purpose of being a light to others?

 

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

Reflection by Gini G.

View Full Reflections Calendar

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Audio Reflection

(d.30) — Saint John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, gets two feast days. June 24th is the Solemnity of his birth (Luke 1:57-80). Also known as the Baptizer, the Forerunner, and last of the prophets, John was the son of Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth. His conception and mission were announced by an angel (Luke 1:8-17), and he was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb (Luke 1:41). He preached repentance, baptized Jesus, and was beheaded under King Herod.

It can be difficult to identify with someone who was so radically holy. At the same time, it can be an inspiration to recall that John chose to intensely love God throughout his life, just like we are called to do. Focusing today on the start of his life, we can also consider his father’s doubt at the angel’s announcement (cf. Luke 1:5-22). Do we still doubt God? Where we are powerless (Step 1), He can restore sanity (Step 2).

“Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79).

Other Saints

Saint Joseph Cafasso
Saint Joseph Cafasso
June 23, 2025
Saint John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr and Saint Thomas More, Martyr
Saint John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr and Saint Thomas More, Martyr
June 22, 2025
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
June 21, 2025
Blessed Margareta Ebner
Blessed Margareta Ebner
June 20, 2025
Venerable Matt Talbot
Venerable Matt Talbot
June 19, 2025
Blessed Osanna Andreasi
Blessed Osanna Andreasi
June 18, 2025
Saint Hervé
Saint Hervé
June 17, 2025
Saint Lutgardis
Saint Lutgardis
June 16, 2025
Saint Bernard of Menthon
Saint Bernard of Menthon
June 15, 2025

ACT

  • Practice the five daily habits:
    1. Start your day with prayer
    2. Attend a recovery meeting (click here to find a meeting)
    3. Connect with people in recovery outside of meetings
    4. Read some recovery literature and Scripture
    5. Give thanks to God at the end of the day
  • Schedule a 15-minute call with a CIR representative

The optional session can be conducted over Zoom or the phone at a time most convenient for you. In the session, you can expect the following:

    • A friendly welcome to the Catholic in Recovery community
    • An overview of how to best experience CIR+’s many resources
    • An opportunity for us to get to know you as a special member of our community (the discussion will be completely confidential and you’re welcome to share as little or as much as you’re comfortable)

Explore

Dive deeper with these additional resources to support your journey.

Podcast
PodcastGetting Started: Getting Started: First 90 DaysView
Article
ArticleWhy 12-Step Programs Are So Important to RecoveryView
Article
ArticleEmbracing an Integrated Plan of Recovery & HolinessView
Article
Article4 Reasons to Become Involved with Catholic in RecoveryView

Discuss

Share your thoughts and connect with others on this journey.

James Meteyer 4 months ago
Today I’m struggling to find peace in the present moment. I’m currently in rehab and have been for the last 26 days and I’m worried to go back to my job even though it’s the easiest way I’m worried the influence my peers have on me will cause me to relapse. Do I need to be able to have strong willpower from here on out or is a job change the way I should go. Either way I’ll need to have strong willpower but maybe a job where I’m able to work alone will be best for now?
1
Ryan 3 months ago
My name is Ryan and I am a sex addict. I’ve attended Catholic In Recovery in the past and I’m now attempting to do the 90 day journey. I have a wife and a near 10 month old. I love them dearly, but I know that this addiction has caused me to sin. It has been difficult recently because of the lack of sleep and taking care of my new son and trying to do my daily responsibilities as a husband and a provider. But I’m thankful for this journey that I am starting again.
1
Sabrina 3 months ago
Today I am grateful because after many years of struggling with conpulsive overeating, I have woken up to the destruction caused in my life by this behavior. And though I've loved the LORD for many years, I know now that I need HIM more than ever to help me walk out this healing journey.
1
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