“Recovery Sunday” is more than just a date on the calendar. It serves as a symbol of hope and healing within the Diocese of Missouri. Observed annually on the first Sunday in Lent, this special day is dedicated to raising awareness about addiction and providing support for those affected by it. As congregations come together to reflect on themes of recovery, they foster an environment of compassion and understanding that can have a profound impact on individuals and communities grappling with the challenges of addiction.
This year, Recovery Sunday falls on Sunday, March 9. Established during the 167th Convention of the Diocese of Missouri, held in 2006, this initiative was born from a desire to create awareness around addiction and to support individuals and families on their journey to recovery.
As Diocesan Missioner of Recovery Ministries, it is my hope that we can continue to raise awareness around addiction and to support individuals and families on their journey to recovery. Addiction affects countless lives, with recent Pew Research statistics indicating that over 46-percent of U.S. adults report having a family member or close friend who has struggled with addiction. This staggering figure illustrates the pervasive nature of this issue, afflicting not just individuals, but entire families and communities.
Common types of substance use disorders include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. Each type presents its own unique set of challenges and requires tailored approaches for effective recovery.
Addiction can also lead to overdose, and tragically often results in death. In 2022, the opioid-involved mortality rate for St. Louis County was 31.9 deaths per 100,000 population. The news is not totally bleak — Missouri had 1,948 drug overdose deaths reported in 2024, down from Missouri’s all time high of 2,180 deaths in 2022. One reason there are fewer deaths is because of the increasing availability of Naloxone, or Narcan – a lifesaving medication that reverses overdoses.
When I arrived last summer to serve as your deacon, one of the first things I brought before our community was the possibility of placing a Narcan Box on our premises, modeled after similar boxes placed throughout our diocese. These boxes enable anyone to access Naloxone 24/7 at no cost. Some 100 doses have been distributed since our box was installed and stocked with doses of nasal naloxone in September.
St. Stephen’s and the Vine has also partnered with Gratitude House, a safe sober-living home for women who are committed to 12-step recovery. Gratitude House empowers recovering alcoholics and addicts to build a foundation of recovery based on fellowship, service, and gratitude. St. Stephen’s provides support by offering space for AA meetings along with opportunities for fellowship and social activities.
Episcopal Recovery Ministries (ERM) serves as a cornerstone for individuals navigating the challenges of addiction. Our mission is to provide a holistic approach, combining spiritual guidance with practical resources.
One of the strongest resources available to aid in the road to recovery is prayer. ERM suggests the following prayers which may be inserted into the Prayers of the People on March 9:
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer (page 831):
God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to us (N) as we (she/he/they) are filled with uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make us (her/him/them) equal to whatever lies ahead. Bring us (her/him/them) courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health, wholeness, and freedom from addiction. You are God, and we need you. Amen.
Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book:
We pray, O God of Hope, for all families whose lives have been disrupted by alcohol, drugs, and addictions. Enable them to identify the illness. Give them the strength to search for help. Increase their trust in you, bless them with the power of your transforming love. Grant that as they walk with their loved one this difficult path, they may be bound together by confidence in your love and guidance. Amen.
For additional resources and information, please visit Episcopal Recovery Ministries at https://www.ermdiocesemo.org/