Healing Leads to Joy

Fr. Sean Kilcawley is the director of the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Lincoln.

Fr. Sean Kilcawley, director of the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Lincoln, explains that healing is the process of allowing Jesus to look upon us with love and acceptance. He says that when we allow Jesus to love us, we are able to live a life of abundant joy.

Q: Share a bit about your background and ministry.
A: I have a Licentiate in Sacred Theology degree from the John Paul II Institute in Rome and am a certified Pastoral Sexual Addictions practitioner.  I have served in the Office for Family Life in the diocese of Lincoln since 2014 and am currently the pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church in Palmyra and St Martin in Douglas, Nebraska.

Q: Tell us about your personal journey of healing.
A: I believe in pursuing joy by all means necessary.  Therapy, Trauma therapy, twelve-step recovery, and inner healing prayer.  All of these have been helpful in healing from abuse, parents’ divorce, personal sin, and shame.

Q: How have the sacraments played a role in your healing?
A: The sacraments have raised awareness of the need for more healing. Adoration has been an important element in allowing Jesus to enter the tender places of my heart.

Q: What piece of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is struggling to find healing from the “wounds of life”?
A: Be stubborn about having joy.