Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)

The best brief description of what A.A. is and what it does is the following “Preamble”, which is usually read at the beginning of every meeting:

Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

“There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. We are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”

With the support and help of other A.A. members, everyone realizes that no one really needs alcohol. Everyone discovers life once again, and realizes that a life without alcohol is deeply rewarding. Anonymity is the key feature of this group.

The New Life A.A. Group fellowship group is the second oldest in Mumbai comprising at least 25 members dedicated to sobriety. One of its former members, the late Brother Cyril, founded the Mary’s clan.

The New Life A.A. Group meets at St. Sebastian’s Primary School at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday and at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday.

Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) - Stepping Stones Group

N.A. is an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts, with more than 33,500 weekly meetings in over 116 countries worldwide. N.A. sprang from AA programs in the 1960s. It grew slowly. Today NA is also well established throughout India.

In the pamphlet "The White Booklet", NA is described "NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We …meet regularly to help each other stay clean… We are not interested in what or how much you used… but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help"

There is no social, religious, economic or class-status membership restrictions. No dues, no fees; contributions are not mandatory. One of the keys to NA's success is the sharing and support of each member and the practice of spiritual values. Members are encouraged to comply with a complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

Here, in St Peter's Parish, The Stepping Stones Group meets every Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in St Sebastian's K.G. Classes. Some of the responsible ones for the Group are Violet D., Roopak A. and Sameer P. Fr F Juan, S.J. is the Spiritual Director.