If the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) generally is accepted as the best therapy for those afflicted with the disease of alcoholism - a view also held by the Calix Society - why is there a Calix Society and what does it do? Answers to these questions are vital to the recovering Catholic alcoholic who is attempting to achieve and maintain a sober and serene life.

Consider the individuals, men or women, who have spent a long time, often many years, unwittingly developing a physical dependence on ethyl alcohol. Finally they reach the end of the line - physically, mentally and spiritually. Let us assume that one way or another they manage to put together a short period of sobriety and tentatively are testing the A.A. program. Well and good! Their physical condition improves rapidly and, after a longer period, so does the emotional and mental side of their lives.

For Catholics, however, something more is needed. They realize that the A.A. program advocates recourse to a “higher power” and God, but they also know that A.A. is necessarily non-denominational. Having been raised in a church rich in tradition, dogma and ritual, these recovering alcoholics begin to yearn once again for the faith they probably have neglected or abandoned.

At this point the Calix Society can say: “ Come back home. You must maintain your sobriety through your affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous, but let us help you to regain the spiritual life without which you may not succeed in the never-ending fight against your addiction.” William J. Montroy, a founder of the Calix Society, stated it this way: “A.A. restores your health and keeps you from an early grave. Calix saves your soul and puts you on the road to heaven.”