<html> <head> <title></title> </head> <body> <p>Alcoholism<br> </p> <p><br> At the beginning of Lent 1997, I have a message, a simple message I wish to <br> share. Please read it / listen to it: Since Lent is a time of renewal, a time of <br> being grateful, a time to think about passing on to our children whatever we <br> truly believe in, I feel this message is very apropos. It has to do with <br> alcoholism: a real word to deal with. Nobody is too young nor too old to deal <br> with it. That's because it is a disease, an illness. Anybody is eligible to be <br> hit with it. Rich, poor, no color difference, it is always around. <br> Years ago, because there is alcoholism in my own family and because, as a <br> priest, I was beginning to learn about people's lives and their problems, I <br> decided to become involved. For more than 30 years, I have spoken with, spoken <br> to, and been associated with alcoholics / addicts. I have learned much and have <br> shared much. And this is what I want to do: share a few thoughts with all of you <br> on sobriety. <br> Some people drink to relax. Some people drink because they have problems. <br> Where are you in all this? <br> Some people drink when they get angry. Angry with other people, with <br> friends, with parents. Where are you in all this? <br> Some people prefer to drink alone. They do not want anybody else around <br> them. Where are you in all this? <br> Some people, due to drinking, start making mistakes on their jobs, or their <br> school grades start slipping. Where are you in all this? <br> Some people say they can stop drinking if they want to. Some people try to <br> stop drinking or start drinking less -- but they fail. Where are you in all <br> this? <br> Some people drink in the morning before work. Before school. Where are you <br> in all this? <br> Some people gulp their drinks. "Down the hatch" -- where are you in all <br> this? <br> Some people, due to their drinking, begin a loss of memory. They cannot <br> remember some of the simplest things. Where are you in all this? <br> Some people lie about their drinking. They never say exactly what they are <br> drinking and how much of it. Where are you in all this? <br> Some people get drunk when they drink. Mostly all the time. They never mean <br> to but they do. Where are you in all this? <br> The answers to these questions are simple, aren't they? The questions are simple <br> too. If you have trouble honestly answering any one of these questions, I <br> suggest you give me a call. You may need help. Or if you would just like to talk <br> to somebody about your drinking, I can refer you to some very good people. It <br> does not matter how long you have been drinking or what you have been drinking. <br> It's what drinking does to you that counts. <br> May your celebrations in 1997 be alcohol and drug free. That is one of my <br> special prayers for each and every one of you in the new year. I hope your <br> decision for sobriety is real. It affects not only you but our children and <br> their lives. Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. <br> Fr. Jim <br> <br> </p> </body> </html>