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A place to heal. Guided by God and the 12-Steps of recovery – possible through our tradition of care and compassion.

OUR STORY

A place of hope and healing.

Since 1956 for men and 1994 for women, Guest House has been providing a unique Catholic faith-filled, community atmosphere for the ordained and consecrated of the Catholic Church, including those in formation, who are experiencing:

 

  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Binge-Eating Disorder
  • Process Addictions including  spending, gambling, cluttering, hoarding, internet, and credit card use
  • Mental Health including mood disorders, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, co-occurring mental, physical or medical disorders
 

Austin Ripley founded Guest House in 1956 with what at the time was a revolutionary mission – to treat the ordained and consecrated of the Catholic Church, including those in formation, who experienced chemical addiction, such as alcoholism.

 

Ripley believed it was essential to treat chemical dependency in an atmosphere that affirms the unique nature of the priesthood and religious life. He also knew that the most effective treatment should use 12-Step recovery to treat physical, spiritual, and mental health disorders. 

 

Time has proven Austin Ripley right. Since its beginning, Guest House has helped thousands among the ordained and consecrated of the Catholic Church, including those in formation, to be released from the ordeal of alcoholism, drug dependency, process addictions, and mental health disorders.  Many live renewed, productive lives in recovery.

2025 Impact Report

A Year of Healing and Hope

Guest House is pleased to present our 2025 Annual Report—a heartfelt reflection of a year dedicated to healing, renewal, and faithful service. This video report offers a comprehensive look at our expanded continuum of care, renewed wellness and recovery initiatives, and deepened commitment to supporting the ordained and consecrated of the Catholic Church, including those in formation

OUR VISION

Respecting the dignity of
all through the teachings
of the Catholic Church.

Guest House will provide person-centered treatment services to those it serves, respecting the dignity of all who enter there and respecting the Catholic Church’s teachings.

 

Guest House will hold to the highest standards of good stewardship as its commitment to its donor-stakeholders. Guest House will apply the principles of Catholic social justice as its guide in respecting the dignity of all staff and volunteers.

our impact

You will know them by their fruits

More than
90%

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Over
1000

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compassion, hope and recovery

Focused on providing a haven for each client to return to wellness.

The programmatic content is vital to physical healing and includes alternative approaches such as tai chi, auricular acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and other exercises. Respectively, spiritual healing is necessary for the ordained and consecrated of the Catholic Church, including those in formation, and we honor their human dignity and vocational callings.

 

Mass is celebrated daily.  Experience tells us that a nurturing environment that addresses all aspects of healing supports quality recovery and overall health and wellness – and restores relationships with God and a return to ministry.

OUR LOCATION

A tranquil and spirit-filled setting

The men’s and women’s programs at Guest House utilizes our newly renovated treatment center on our 105-acre Lake Orion property, complete with ample walking space and retreat-like grounds that are conducive to healing and recovery. The residential facility offers 26 private suites, a dining area with dietician-managed meals and snacks, individualized and group therapy rooms, a common relaxation space, and a chapel.

From the moment of initial contact everyone contributed so much to this holistic experience that is Guest House. The driver who picked me up at the airport, the receptionist, the dietary and housekeeping staff - each one was delightful, and respectful and kind. I felt myself held in what I can only describe as a loving surround.
Sr. Marylou
Sr. Marylou
I did treatment here for alcoholism in 1979, and I was grateful for the professionalism of the staff, the clinicians, the medical team, and all of the caretakers, the maintenance and the cooks who have been like family to me.
Brother Richard
Brother Richard
The first step is to create a rapport based on trust. I don't have the power to solve someone's problems, but I can be a light, so that a client can see more clearly what the issue is and how to deal with it.
Alex
AlexGuest House Therapist
This is a ministry. I am ministering to God's people and the privilege that it is to minister to men and women religious in our church is immensely gratifying.
Brian
BrianGuest House Therapist
I'm so grateful for each and every one of our donors. Their donations trickle down. It saves vocations. It saves parishes. It saves families.
Rose
RoseGuest House Staff
Our donors and sponsors are part of the Guest House family. Without them, we wouldn't be able to provide the world class care that we do for our clients here at Guest House.
AnneGuest House Staff