(ZENIT News / New York, 11.26.2024).- For Father Joseph Calise, sobriety is not just a personal victory—it is a mission. After battling alcoholism and staying sober for 34 years, he has transformed his painful past into a source of hope and healing for others, especially fellow clergy.
In 1990, Father Calise was at a breaking point. Ten years into his priesthood, alcohol had infiltrated every aspect of his life, straining relationships with his family, parishioners, and his vocation itself. At the urging of a concerned priest, he entered a 90-day treatment program at Guest House, a specialized residential center in Michigan for clergy with addictions. This decision marked the beginning of his journey to recovery.
A New Mission: Supporting Others in Recovery
Father Calise’s sobriety gave him a new perspective on ministry. Determined to support others facing similar struggles, he founded Transition House, a place of respite and renewal for priests re-entering ministry after treatment for addiction. Located within the rectory of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Maspeth, New York, where he serves as pastor, Transition House has grown beyond its original mission.
“Initially, it was intended for priests recovering from addictive behaviors,” explains Father Calise. “But over the years, it has evolved to serve a broader purpose.” Now, the house also welcomes clergy dealing with non-addiction-related challenges, such as health issues, visa complications, or the need for temporary relief from pastoral pressures.
Transition House is not a treatment center but a haven for priests transitioning back into ministry. “It’s a space where they can acclimate to diocesan life after treatment,” says Father Calise. With six bedrooms, a living area, and a chapel, the home offers a supportive environment tailored to individual needs. Some priests stay for weeks, while others remain for months, depending on their circumstances.
Loneliness and Addiction in Clergy Life
Father Calise is uniquely positioned to provide guidance, having experienced the pain of addiction himself. His struggle began in adolescence, eventually spiraling into alcoholism. Reflecting on those years, he recalls, “There was so much pain and sadness. But out of that, I’ve been able to help others find a path to healing.”
Clergy members, he notes, are particularly vulnerable to addiction due to the isolating nature of their roles. “We live very solitary lives. Many priests are alone in their rectories, and even when they’re not, there’s often a deep sense of loneliness. That isolation often seeks solace.”
Statistics back up this reality. The St. John Vianney Center in Pennsylvania estimates that 10% of U.S. priests struggle with substance addiction, yet only 2% seek treatment. The stigma surrounding addiction and the demands of ministry often prevent priests from reaching out for help.
Healing Through Service
Father Calise’s personal recovery journey has become a cornerstone of his ministry. He also celebrates Serenity Sundays, healing Masses at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish for individuals in various stages of addiction recovery. These services provide spiritual support and a sense of community for those on their path to sobriety.
“Recovery taught me to be available to God’s surprises,” he reflects. “It’s about being present for the unexpected needs of others and seeing Christ in those moments.”
As Transition House marks seven years of operation, Father Calise continues to lead by example. His story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and faith. For him, the work is far from over. “Sobriety has given me the chance to touch lives in ways I never imagined. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.”
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