The Episcopal Recovery Ministries (ERM) of the Diocese of Missouri exists as a resource for people seeking information, guidance, and consolation in their struggles with substance use disorder. ERM focuses on the person who is addicted and on the people who are affected by another’s addiction. ERM offers information to enable all those affected by addiction to find the help they seek.
The Rev. Deacon Loretta Go is our Missioner for Recovery Ministries.
The Missioner's responsibilities include:
- The creation of a Council of Advice to assist in carrying out their duties.
- Provide resources about addiction and recovery to communities of faith within the Diocese.
- Provide resources to communities of faith within the Diocese for observing Recovery Sunday.
- Provide resources, formation, and training to communities of faith within the Diocese about Narcan and other life-saving measures.
- Preach and teach in communities of faith that make up the Diocese.
- Submit an annual report to the Diocesan Convention.
- Off presentations to Diocesan Council which highlight the ministries designed to alleviate addiction and marginalization within the Diocese.
The 180th Diocesan Convention passed a resolution (Nov. 22, 2019) reestablishing the Episcopal Recovery Ministries. Our Diocesan General Convention Deputation submitted this resolution in response to a call from the 79th General Convention to provide resources for training, pastoral care, and liturgy to address the opioid epidemic and all that of addictive drugs.
Please visit the ERM website at www.ermdiocesemo.org for links to resources throughout the state of Missouri, such as:
- Times and locations of meetings for addicts and family members
- Detoxification, rehabilitation, and housing facilities
- Pain management groups for chronic pain sufferers whose access to opioids has been adversely affected because of the addiction crisis
For more information please contact The Rev. Deacon Loretta Go, Episcopal Recovery Ministries Missioner at lgo1957@aol.com.
Substance use disorder is a major issue in American society. But there is help and there is hope.
Recovery Sunday
The 167th Convention of the Diocese of Missouri designated the first Sunday of Lent as Recovery Sunday in the Diocese. The following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (page 831) may be used during the “Prayers of the People” at any time:
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.
Diocesan Alcohol Policy
Download a copy of the Diocesan Alcohol Policy (2010).