Catholic in Recovery Groups

Background - Catholic in Recovery (CIR) is a nonprofit organization that offers 12-step recovery programs to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments and the family and friends that support them. CIR 12-step programs are unique in they directly incorporate the Catholic Faith, Scripture and the Sacraments in the healing process. Read the April 3, 2025 Catholic Herald article on Catholic in Recovery here.

Coming on June 7, 2025 - Addiction Healing Retreat. Register Below!

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

HELD AT REDEMPTORIST RETREAT CENTER

1800 N. Timber Trail Ln.

Oconomowoc, WI  53066


Registration appreciated by Friday, May 23.
 
A one-day retreat for individuals, families, & community members impacted by addiction. The retreat includes presentations and  discussions, including one by CIR Founder, Scott Weeman on The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments and one by Fr. Brian Mason,  Associate Pastor of Family of Five Parishes in Milwaukee and  Spiritual & Behavioral Health Minister for the Archdiocese of  Milwaukee. Adoration, Confession and Mass will be offered.



Special welcome to those who learned about this retreat through the Men of Christ Conference.


Register Here

Registration info will be held confidential by St. Anthony on the Lake Dcn Dennis Petrie.

St. Anthony CIR meetings that occur now
St. Anthony hosts two different in-person CIR Groups, both of which meet at St. Anthony on Tuesday evenings:
  • General Recovery Group – This group uses the 12-step recovery process to help people suffering from addictions to alcohol, food, or other substances. The higher power in the CIR 12-step process is Jesus Christ, and the Mass and Sacraments are an integral part of the healing process. The CIR process works in cooperation with, NOT IN PLACE OF, other 12 step groups that attendees might be attending. 

If you are interested in attending this CIR group and/or want more information, email ciraddictionrecoverygroup@stanthony.cc.


  • Family and Friends Group – This group supports the Family and Friends of those suffering from addictions to alcohol, food and other substances and unhealthy compulsions. The group’s intent is to offer an opportunity for family members or friends of people with an addiction to meet with others in similar circumstances, to pray together, and have an opportunity to express how their life has been impacted by a loved one’s addiction. 

If you are interested in attending this group and/or want more information, email cirfamilygroup@stanthony.cc.

Both the General Recovery Group and the Family and Friends group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7-8 p.m. at St Anthony’s. 


  • The General Recovery Group meets in Room PLC-B (Serving Room).
  • The Family and Friends Group meets in room PLC-A (Youth Room).


Take Oakton Rd West from HWY SS to the lower St. Anthony Lot. Enter through glass doors at North end of the lot and follow the signs to the rooms. Your interest in and attendance at group meetings will be confidential. 


Additional CIR Information:

If you would like more information about the Catholic In Recovery organization or are interested in attending CIR virtual meetings for those with addictions or unhealthy attachments, go to https://catholicinrecovery.com/ or contact Dcn Dennis Petrie at petriedj@gmail.com.

To follow are resources for those dealing with sexual/lust/port additions or for a family member or friend who has such abuse issues


To follow are other resources for general substance abuse information and education

For some of the resources above, Deacon Dennis may be able to connect you with parishioners who have experience with them. Email Dcn Dennis at petriedj@gmail.com if you would like to be connected to a parishioner who has used one of the above resources.