From Street to Sanctuary: Faith, Healing, and the Work of Belonging--Fr. Will Crist and Deacon Joe Seminara - Nov 26 2025 copertina

From Street to Sanctuary: Faith, Healing, and the Work of Belonging--Fr. Will Crist and Deacon Joe Seminara - Nov 26 2025

From Street to Sanctuary: Faith, Healing, and the Work of Belonging--Fr. Will Crist and Deacon Joe Seminara - Nov 26 2025

Ascolta gratuitamente

Vedi i dettagli del titolo

A proposito di questo titolo

 Episode Description The Heart of Laguna – “From Street to Sanctuary: Faith, Healing, and the Work of Belonging” What does it take to walk with someone from life on the street back into community? In this episode of The Heart of Laguna, I sit down with Deacon Joe Seminara of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, a retired law enforcement officer whose career moved from patrol work into deep street-level outreach with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Joe shares how his years in a “Quality of Life” unit transformed his understanding of trauma, addiction, and the spiritual hunger beneath human suffering. We explore the devastating realities of fentanyl, untreated mental illness, childhood trauma, and isolation—alongside the power of relationship, community, and grace. From jail ministry to street outreach to his vision for a police chaplaincy in Laguna Beach, Joe offers a grounded, hope-filled view of what real restoration looks like: not just getting people off the street, but welcoming them fully back into community. This episode is about forgiveness already given, dignity never lost, and the radical idea that we don’t rescue people—we walk with them home.Show Notes Guest: Deacon Joe Seminara Deacon, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Laguna BeachRetired Federal and Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (35+ years)Former Quality of Life Unit Officer, Long BeachJail Ministry Leader | Street Outreach AdvocateCandidate for Laguna Beach Police ChaplainIn This Episode, We Explore: 1. From Badge to Street Ministry35 years in law enforcementTransition from patrol to Quality of Life outreachTrading the uniform for a polo shirt and minivan to build trustWorking directly with:Detox programsRehab centersMental health servicesSocial SecurityHousing placementWhy relationship—not enforcement—creates real change2. Trauma, Addiction, and the Reality on the StreetsChildhood trauma as a primary driver of homelessnessDomestic violence, chaos, neglect, and long-term emotional injurySelf-medication through drugs and alcoholWhy fentanyl has changed everything48,000+ fentanyl deaths last year in the U.S.Addiction as symptom—not identity“People don’t start broken. They become overwhelmed.”3. Living in the Past, Living in the Future, and the Gift of NowGuilt as a prison of the pastAnxiety as captivity to the futureAddiction as an attempt to escape consciousnessWhy sobriety requires more than detox—it requires meaning4. Absolution, Grace, and the End of Spiritual EarningForgiveness isn’t granted—it’s announcedChrist forgave once, for allThe role of confession as liberation from shameWhy guilt empowers despair—but grace restores agencyThe thief on the cross as the Gospel in one sentence“You are already forgiven. The work is believing it.”5. The Hard Road Back: Detox, Rehab, and Rebuilding LifeDetox → Rehab → Sober Living → Medical Care → ID → Income → HousingDental care, disability services, job placementThe critical role of consistent follow-up“What saves people is knowing someone is still there.”6. Why Community Is the Missing Link in RecoveryRecovery doesn’t end with shelterWithout community, relapse is almost inevitableWhy churches must become long-term spiritual homes, not just emergency respondersFaith communities as:AnchorsIdentity-buildersRecovery partnersAccountability without condemnation7. A Vision for Laguna: Police Chaplaincy & Church-Based OutreachRide-alongs with officersPeer counseling for first respondersChurch volunteers in coordinated street outreachScripture, conversation, Bibles, prayer—and presenceA vision for:Mobile outreach teamsShowers & hot mealsWeekend street ministryFaith-based recovery pathways8. The Crisis of Mental Illness & Structural FailureOnly 7 indigent psychiatric beds in all of LA County at one pointLack of long-term stabilization resourcesHow mental illness and homelessness feed each otherWhy this is medical, not moral“We are not doing enough for the mentally ill—period.”9. Housing, Wealth, and the Hidden Struggles of LagunaEquity-rich, income-poor seniorsYoung families priced outThe need for low-income and workforce housingWealth does not equal securitySuccess measured in dollars vs. dignity10. A New Vision: A “Welcome Wagon” for Laguna BeachInterfaith-led community welcome teamsVisiting new residents—regardless of wealth or statusSharing:Faith communitiesVolunteer opportunitiesArts & cultureKXFMThe same welcome offered to:Formerly unhousedNew homeownersLong-time renters“Isolation looks different at every income level.”11. Youth, Faith, and the Generational ChallengeSocial media overloadLoss of faith-based schoolsBiblical illiteracy in jailMoving from judgment to belongingTeaching God’s love—not fearCentral Themes of This EpisodeTrauma and healingGrace over guiltPresence over punishmentCommunity over isolationBelonging as the true goal of recoveryA Key Question This ...
Ancora nessuna recensione