Welcome to Dear Father Thomas, a weekly column where readers share their questions about faith, family, relationships, and life’s challenges. Each week, Father Thomas offers practical wisdom and spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
DEAR FATHER THOMAS: I never imagined addiction would become part of my life. I love my Catholic faith. I pray, I go to Mass, and every time I fall into the same sin, I promise God it will never happen again. But somehow I always end up back where I started.
I’ve been to Confession so many times for the same thing that I’m embarrassed to go back. I wonder if my priest is tired of hearing it. Sometimes I even wonder if God is tired of forgiving me. I want to be free, but I feel trapped by my own weakness. Is there really hope for someone like me? — ASHAMED AND AFRAID
DEAR ASHAMED AND AFRAID: My friend, there is always hope. The greatest lie addiction tells us is that God has given up on us. He has not. His mercy is not measured by how many times you’ve fallen, but by His endless love for you. Never be afraid to return to Confession. Jesus never grows tired of forgiving those who sincerely seek Him. Every confession is not a reminder of your failure—it is another meeting with the mercy of Christ.
At the same time, remember that healing often requires help. Speak openly with your priest. If needed, seek faithful counseling or a Catholic support group. God often works through the people He places in our lives.
Do not judge your future by today’s struggle. Many people overcome addiction one faithful step at a time. The victory is not found in never falling, but in refusing to stop getting back up. The saints were not people without weakness. They were people who trusted God more than they trusted their failures.
So today, ask only for the grace you need for today. Stay close to the Eucharist. Stay close to prayer. Stay close to the Lord. And if you fall again, don’t run from Him. Run to Him. His arms are still open. God bless you.
Have a question for Father Thomas? Email us at dearfather@ycvf.org. While we can’t respond to every message personally, your letter could be selected for a future episode.
