Alcoholics and Religious Orders

[Benignus]

I am currently serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. In three months I will be out of the military and in college by the fall. I am a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for almost eight months, and plan to remain so by the grace of God.

Here is my question: Does being an alcoholic necessarily disqualify me from joining a religious order?

Now of course this would be later on down the road, after college to be sure. However, I have always felt that God is calling me to the religious life, even in my darkest hours. Any feedback/experience that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

In Christ’s Love,
Benignus

 

[Cowfold]

I am currently serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. In three months I will be out of the military and in college by the fall. I am a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for almost eight months, and plan to remain so by the grace of God.

Here is my question: Does being an alcoholic necessarily disqualify me from joining a religious order?

Now of course this would be later on down the road, after college to be sure. However, I have always felt that God is calling me to the religious life, even in my darkest hours. Any feedback/experience that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

In Christ’s Love,
Benignus

Of course it would not disqualify you. In fact we always joked that it was a requirement for those entering secular clergy.

 

[Mike_SFO_1]

I think it is also a requirement for the Military???

From everything I have heard it would certainly not be a problem.

Thank you very much for your Service to our Country and may God bless you on your return to civilian life.

Mike

 

[Angel_Bradford]

I have a friend who is also a recovering alcoholic who was ordained almost 6 years ago. He’s a wonderful priest!!!

 

[LSK]

Congratulations, Nick.

I celebrated 17 years on May 4, 2009. By the Grace of God, one day at a time.

Being an alcoholic in recovery should not bar you from joining a religious order; however, if you wanted to become a priest, you would need to get a dispensation from the local Bishop to use mustum (I think that’s how you spell it but I may be wrong) instead of wine when celebrating Mass.

Again, good job…