Support Groups

What are Self-Help Groups?

The Franciscan Friars of Saint Francis of Assisi Church offer their facilities as a community service and ministry to many autonomous Self Help Groups. Each group conducts its meetings independently.

Most of the groups listed here are based on the Twelve Step Program of Recovery pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. The meetings all generally follow the same format: a member will share his or her “story” (what it was like, how he or she came to the program, and what it has been like since then). This is then followed by sharing by other members. This description can be more accurately detailed by members of any of the groups.

What problems are dealt with?

Most of the groups deal with some kind of compulsive or addictive behavior, i.e., behavior that has become out of control and is getting in the way of functioning in daily living. These problems include alcohol, sex, lying, etc.

How can I learn more about a group?

The best way to learn about any of the groups listed here is to attend one of the meetings and observe. Members of the group will answer your questions.

Who can join these groups?

Members of these groups are of all races and religions. All that is necessary is to admit that there is a problem, that it is out of control and that you want help and/or support.

Where are these meetings held?

Meetings are held in classrooms at the ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Adult Education Center, 135 W. 31st Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues.

The Center is also used for Adult Education, the Music Ministry and other Church affiliated groups. The building is found immediately to the left of St. Francis Church through a short passageway next to the church.

PLEASE NOTE: The dates and times of the meetings listed on this web page are subject to change. Please consult the schedule posted in the St. Francis Center and at the information desk in the Church Office.

12 STEPS SELF-HELP SUPPORT GROUPS

A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) Deals with the compulsion to drink and ways to achieves sobriety.

Sundays Room 5 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Mondays Room 5 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

Wednesdays Room 5 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

Thursdays Room 5 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Fridays Room 5 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

Saturdays Room 5 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

A.A.C.—AL-ANON Deals with overcoming the problems of having grown up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home or with addictive relationships.

Sundays Room 2 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM

A.C.o.A. (Adult Children of Alcoholics) is for individuals, coming from varied backgrounds, who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. By reading ACoA literature, practicing the 12 Steps and focusing on the solution, we come to understand how our childhood experiences shape our attitudes, behaviors, and choices today; and we begin to recover from the effects of an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional upbringing.

Mondays Room 3 (Women) 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Mondays Room 4 7:30 PM — 8:45 PM

Sundays Room 3 7:00 PM — 8:30 PM

AL-ANON Deals with overcoming problems of having an alcoholic in one’s life. The alcoholic may be a spouse, another member of the family or a friend. The alcoholic may be in or out of recovery.

Tuesdays Room 4 12:30 PM — 1:30 PM

C.E.A.-HOW (Compulsive Eaters Anonymous) Offers compulsive eaters a structured approach to 12 Step recovery.

Wednesdays Room 4 6:30 PM — 7:30 PM

Fridays Room 3 6:30 PM — 7:30 PM

Saturdays Room 2 11:00 AM— 12:15 PM

N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous) is a 12-Step fellowship for those who identify themselves as addicts, along with those who simply feel they have a problem with drugs. This is a 2-hour meeting that focuses on the steps, however anyone whose life has become unmanageable due to the use of drugs is welcome.

Sundays Room 4 5:30 PM — 7:30 PM

S.A.A. (Sex Addicts Anonymous) Deals with overcoming compulsive sexual behavior, and leading sexually healthy lives.

Tuesdays Room 4 7:15 PM — 8:45 PM

Thursdays Room 4 7:15 PM — 8:45 PM

Saturdays Room 2 4:00 PM — 5:30 PM

Sundays (1st of Mon) Room 2 (Intergroup) 7:45 PM — 8:45 PM

Sundays Room 2 6:00 PM — 7:30PM

S.L.A.A. (Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous) Deals with overcoming compulsive sexual and emotional behavior, i.e., addiction to relationships, romance, fantasy, intrigue, and as well as promiscuity, prostitution, pornography, adultery or masturbation.

Mondays Room 5 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Tuesdays Room 5 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Wednesdays Room 5 (Men) 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Fridays Room 2 4:30 PM — 6:00 PM

Fridays Room 5 6:15 PM — 7:45 PM

Saturdays Room 2 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Sundays Room 3 (Women) 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM

Sundays (1st of Mon) Room 3 (Intergroup) 4:45 PM — 6:45 PM

S-ANON A 12 Step fellowship for those who find themselves involved with or their lives affected by another person’s sexual behavior. Deals with overcoming the problems of having a sex addict in one’s life. The sex addict may be a spouse, partner, another member of the family or a friend. The sex addict may be in or out of recovery.

Saturdays Room 3 6:00 PM — 7:15 PM

W.A. ((Workaholics Anonymous) A workaholic works or keeps busy with activity compulsively and leaves little or no time to be alone and quiet. Therefore, we usually do not know who we are and what we really feel and want. Work and activity are the primary focuses in our lives, often excluding others.

Workaholics Anonymous (WA) is a 12 Step fellowship of individuals who share our experience, strength and hope so that we may solve our common problem and help others recover from Workaholism.

Separated, Divorced & Remarried Catholics A group forMutual support for those who have been, or are in the process of divorce or separation. Widowed persons are also welcome. Call Mr. Gene Curry, Coordinator 718-392-0954.

2nd Saturday of the Month Room 4 6:00 PM—7:30 PM

Gay Support Group Gay Catholic men are invited to a support group where participants share their journey of being both Catholic and gay. St. Francis of Assisi welcomes everyone as we worship God, proclaim the gospel, grow in our faith and witness to the presence of God in the world.

1st Sunday of the Month