Sharing prison ministry with our youth

Early this morning, long before going to work, I drove some 45 minutes to the city of Hammond, La. and met up with 30 or so young Catholics experiencing a real world retreat.  Now when I say young I'm referring to teenagers, perhaps 15-17.  They come from a Catholic parish in New Roads, La and make up a very active and alive youth group.  The idea behind real world is they experience the hardships of some of the "least of our brethren"  While I do not know all the details these young Catholics have worked in soup kitchens, learned about the day to day activities of the poor, slept one night outdoors in cardboard boxes and have met in prayer and candid discussion.

My mission this morning was to share something of my prison ministry with them.  As best I could my goal was to paint a picture of life inside Rayburn for both those who attend our faith based services and the general population.  I discussed the living conditions, the food, the showers and bathrooms, both of which provide no privacy at all.  And I discussed the desire of so many to reform their lives with some focus on our Catholic community.  I described my reluctance at beginning this ministry, my preconceived notions that all in jail both deserved jail and had to be disgusting animals.  And I shared personally, my transformation of learning about the dignity of all created in God's image, the power of forgiveness and mercy, and learning to do less and be present more.

Their questions, understandably were more about the living conditions, food, bathroom facilities, privacy and what happens when these men leave prison. 

Later this afternoon they were going to candidly discuss the death penalty.

As is often the case, my attendance today was initially prompted by a sincere invitation and my desire, in some small way, to preach Jesus Christ, to bring Jesus Christ to others.  And as so often happens to this Deacon, while doing so, the others reveal Jesus to me and share Jesus with me.  These young Catholic teens were inspirational in their willingness to be open to this type of week and the ongoing activities of their youth group to learn more and grow closer to Christ.  The leaders of this group, like so many youth ministers across the Catholic footprint should be encoraged and prayed for as they work to keep our youth connected to His Church.

To Emily and her volunteers and all the youth of St. Mary's Parish I thank you for the opportunity to participate, in a small way, with your wonderful real world experience.  May God continue to richly bless all of you, your efforts and your love for Christ and your love for your brothers and sisters, from all walks of life!