Appeal helps Straight & Narrow

HOLY MASS  Robert Bozzomo, assistant in the pastoral care department at Straight and Narrow, and Frank, a client, listen to Father Charles Waller proclaim the Gospel reading during Mass.

PATERSON  Every Tuesday and Thursday, in a small room next to Straight and Narrow’s main hall, Father Charles Waller, director of pastoral care, celebrates Mass for the clients and employees, who would like to join together at the Eucharistic table.

The setting isn’t a room with pews and stained glass windows but the spirituality in this room and the intentions are the same — most importantly, Jesus is present to them in the Eucharist.

Frank, a client attending the Mass, has been at Straight and Narrow for the past 30 days recovering from addiction, “It has been a positive experience being here and I’m in good spirits,” he said. “I participate as much as possible and I am striving for a better life and future.”

An agency of diocesan Catholic Charities with its main headquarters located in downtown Paterson, Straight and Narrow has saved countless lives. Since its humble beginnings more than 60,000 people, who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol, those living with HIV/AIDS, and families with the desire to become stronger, have entered through its doors.

Under the theme, “Be Rich in Good Works,” Straight and Narrow is one of the recipients of the 2016 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The Appeal will also support diocesan Catholic Charities other agencies — Catholic Family and Community Services and the Department for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, the Appeal will also aid students attending Catholic schools in and around the inner city, the education of diocesan seminarians and Nazareth Village, the retired priests’ residence.

Father Charles Waller, director of pastoral care, said, “Without the Diocese, Straight and Narrow couldn’t exist. It is through the support of the Diocese and its people that we can help so many struggling with addiction.”

The largest and oldest rehabilitation facility of its kind in the state, Straight and Narrow provides a diversity of programs to those affected by substance abuse as well as community programs to build stronger families. This one-of-a-kind agency is known across the nation for its specialized services to those battling drug and alcohol addictions. Through its residential facilities, men, women — including those who are pregnant or with infants — and teen boys receive around-the-clock help for six to 12 months. Programs, such as the 12-step program and individual and group counseling, help clients overcome addiction by seeking the source of their behavior.

The pastoral care department helps clients come to know who they are through faith. Father Waller and Msgr. William Naughton are always available to listen to clients in their recovery from substance abuse and to attend to their spiritual needs. They facilitate this by providing spiritual guidance individually and in groups. Through retreats, the Gospel choir and Bible study, clients are able to practice their faith. The agency also provides services for multiple faiths by inviting local ministers, imams and rabbis to come to Straight and Narrow.

Frank believes having the priests there is very beneficial. “They are here to help us and they give us different insights into overcoming our addictions,” he said.

Another Straight and Narrow client is Raymond, who is a member of the gospel choir. “It’s one of my favorite things to be a part of the choir here. It allows me to get in touch with my spiritual side.”

Just recently, clients spoke to Confirmation candidates in St. Clement Church, Rockaway Township. Father Waller said, “A lot of them feel good about speaking to those younger than them to prevent young people from making the same mistakes.”

In addition to the treatment facilities, Straight and Narrow provides outpatient counseling, medical detox, intoxicated driver resource center, methadone maintenance, housing for persons with HIV/AIDS, a family success center and two day care centers for children living in Paterson. The agency welcomes visits to its facilities for those who want to witness firsthand their Appeal donations at work.

To support the Appeal, parishioners are invited to make a pledge or donation. Parishioners can provide financial support to the Appeal through one-time gifts or pledges paid over several months.

Father Waller said, “I always believe eyes are the windows to the soul and I can see in some of these clients that their soul is alive. That here’s a good man trying to be a better one.”

[To make a pledge to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, go to www.2016appeal.org
or call (973) 777-8818, ext. 215.]