Fr. Jim, Staff Therapist

• Foundational Principles
• Program and Treatment
• Physical Health
• Spirituality Program
• Relationship with the Diocese or Religious Congregation

Foundational Principles:

• The integration of body, mind, and spirit, essential to the healing process, is at the heart of the program.
• It is in relationship with others that problems can be identified and healthy behavioral changes can be practiced. This relational approach is core to the treatment program.
• A caring, nurturing, and supportive community encourages residents to explore the core issues in their lives and to learn how to live more fully and productively.
• An environment balancing prayer and solitude, leisure, and group interaction enables each resident to face his own problem area, to identify and own what he finds, and to begin the practice of new behaviors that further health and wholeness in the faith community.

Program and Treatment

Saint Luke’s treatment program includes:

• Individual and group therapies using a variety of verbal and nonverbal treatment modalities
• Spiritual guidance and integration
• Patient education regarding his/her problem through a psycho-educational group format designed to promote adult learning
• Attendance at 12-step meetings if indicated
• Specialized therapies, such as art therapy, biofeedback and psychodrama
• An exercise program
• Dietary counseling which includes basic nutritional information as well as education about the complex relationship between diet and emotional health
• Medical supervision

Physical Health

The physical wellness of an individual directly impacts his ability to derive the most from the psycho-social and spiritual components of the treatment program. As part of the evaluation process a basic physical examination is required, including laboratory work, measuring standard markers and review of current medications. To help residential clients, there are regular consultations with the staff nutritionist and an exercise program tailored to individual needs by the staff physical therapist.

Spirituality Program

Respecting their particular vocation, the Saint Luke Residential Program places special emphasis on strengthening and rebuilding the spiritual life of the priest or religious. When women and men come to Saint Luke Institute for evaluation and treatment, they are dealing simultaneously with several problem areas. Often their ideals and expectations are in conflict with their flawed assumptions and harmful behaviors. Meaningful spiritual rehabilitation takes place within the context of their call to holiness and their commitment to celibacy. In the light of this focus, Saint Luke Institute emphasizes spiritual formation and practice as the way of moving from head to heart in the journey towards a personal and affective relationship with God.

Liturgies and Sacramental Life:

• A concelebrated Eucharist is offered each day and special liturgies are held to commemorate important events such as our patronal feast of Saint Luke.
• A Welcoming Rite liturgy is held monthly during which new residents are
  welcomed and the community prays for their healing.
• The Sacrament of the Sick is offered.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly made available to the residents.
• There is a Commissioning Ceremony twice a month, during which residents
  who have completed their treatment are sent forth with prayer, thanksgiving
  and celebration.
• Twice weekly holy hour.

Other Spiritual Activities:

• We encourage residents to spend 20-30 minutes in
  private prayer daily.
• A 30-minute guided Christian meditation is offered
  twice a week in the chapel.
• All residents are in weekly or bi-weekly spiritual direction.
• Spiritual reading is prescribed and journaling is recommended.
• Bi-monthly retreat days including prayer and reflection are
  held at a local retreat center.

Relationship with the Diocese or Religious Congregation

Saint Luke Institute is accountable to the dioceses/religious congregations from which the person in treatment comes. Their diocese or religious community has a vested interest in their well being and continued recovery. Because the relationship between priest/religious and their community is so vital, and because each person who comes to Saint Luke Institute is a valued member, the Institute is committed to keeping leadership as informed as possible while respecting patient-therapist confidentiality.

If you would like to speak with us about our Residential Program please call 301-445-7970.

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