Calix Society for alcoholics seeking healing

Published: February 24, 2020

"A.A. restores your health and keeps you from an early grave. Calix saves your soul and puts you on the road to heaven." — William J. Montroy, a founder of Calix Society

The Calix Society of Central Arkansas helps alcoholics in recovery and their families come together to find support and spiritual healing through the Catholic tradition. It is a unit (chapter) of the national organization that was founded in 1947 in Minnesota. Calix Society gatherings begin with Mass celebrated by chaplain Father Andrew Hart, and are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Chapel, ground level. A meeting will follow in the adjacent music room until 7 p.m. Catholics who are working a program of recovery are welcome to attend, as well as those participating in Al-Anon or who need support for family members.

"Calix," which is Latin for “chalice,” is pronounced “kaylicks.” It is a Catholic organization guided by a chaplain and open to people of all faiths. However, it is not a substitute for Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon or any other 12-step program like Celebrate Recovery or Growing in Grace. In fact, faithful attendance to these meetings is strongly recommended. Calix Society aims to help recovering alcoholics gain a better understanding of our “Higher Power,” who for Christians is Jesus Christ. “He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.” (Col. 2-3)

In the Diocese of Little Rock, Calix Society is a program of Catholic Charities of Arkansas. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Fletcher Hall on the grounds of St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Visit the calendar to find the complete schedule. To learn more, call (501) 960-0421 or e-mail calix@dolr.org.