Grace and Healing – The Role of the Church in the Opioid Crisis  

Catholic Studies Program is pleased to present a lecture by Keaton Douglas, M.A., who will share her varied career experiences and explain how the trajectory of her life allows her to keep opening doors that make her work increasingly meaningful.

The lecture, Grace and Healing – The Role of the Church in the Opioid Crisis:
which will take place via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on March 30, is free and open to the public.

To attend the event, click here.

Meeting ID: 915 3188 1460
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Meeting ID: 915 3188 1460
Passcode: 978754

As the global pandemic continues to rage on, the 'other epidemic', the opioid crisis, has gone largely forgotten, the 'collateral damage' of a greater issue. The pandemic, which has brought fear and uncertainty to all, has devastated those who suffer from substance use disorders and their families, as the quarantine has forced individuals, who require connection with others for sobriety, into isolation and despair, with overdose and relapse rates reaching a 30 – 40 percent increase this year. Funds originally earmarked for mental health and substance use disorder programs have been reallocated to COVID needs, leaving an already vulnerable and marginalized population with few resources.

Join Keaton Douglas, ICSST alumna and Executive Director of the iTHIRST Initiative of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, as she discusses how the Church is poised to be empowered to be a resource for those suffering from addictions and their families, as opportunity meets obligation in this unique time in Church history.

Ms. Douglas is currently the executive director of the I THIRST (The Healing Initiative – Recovery, Spirituality, Twelve step) Initiative, a Mission of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity that focuses on addressing the pervasive problem of addiction by providing resources to dioceses, parishes, and communities that enable them to minister effectively and compassionately to those suffering from addictions and to the families of those suffering from addictions.

While her master's degree in theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University clearly prepared her for this role, Ms. Douglas's varied career and personal experiences have contributed in surprising ways to her ability to respond to God's call effectively and enthusiastically. Her talk will shed light on how her earlier experiences in marketing, vocal performance on the national stage, and work as a recovery coach and in advocacy for those suffering from addiction have prepared her for her current role. As executive director of I THIRST, Ms. Douglas frequently gives retreats, serves as a keynote speaker, and makes media appearances to raise awareness of this initiative and to explain how others can get involved in working to alleviate the suffering addiction causes.

About Catholic Studies:
The Catholic Studies program at Seton Hall University offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum for students of any creed who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. Combining the study of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology, and other disciplines, Catholic Studies focuses on the Church's dialogue with culture and encounter with the world. Students interested in Catholic Studies have the option to pursue a major, minor, or certificate that complements and enhances the university's other degree programs and fields of study. Over 20 years the academic program and its variegated activities have stayed true to and fulfilled the Catholic mission and vision of the University. For more information, please contact Dr. Ines Murzaku at [email protected] and Gloria Aroneo at [email protected].

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Faith and Service