In my ministry at Rayburn Prison I am always amazed at the Christmas Party thrown for the men by our volunteer ministry crew from Mary Quuen of Peace Parish in Mandeville, LA. Just 4 volunteers make sure that on the Wednesday closest to Christmas these men are given a wonderful celebration, complete with food, egg nog and Christmas Carols. Tonight would be no exception.
Our faithful four made sure that these 60 or so men, who form the Catholic community inside Rayburn prison, would have ample amounts of salad(the men's favorite because they never feed them salad in prison), chicken fingers, finger sandwiches, chips and salsa, donuts, fruit cake, ice cream and chocolate syrup, egg nog and soft drinks. It is so exciting to watch these men truly enjoy their food, consumed, of course, after we pray. After dinner the men led all of us in a few Christmas Carols, sung remarkably on key.
The men presented each volunteer and yours truly with specially prepared Christmas Cards signed by all the men. My card included a wonderful verse based on 1 John 5:5: who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God!
I mentioned last month that one of my favorite days to visit the prison is the night before Thanksgiving. That indeed is a great night to visit the men. And so is this special event. It is a true celebration that, despite life in prison, these men have been called to a life in Christ Jesus through Holy Mother Church. And they are even called to spread the Good News, behind bars, and they have helped our community continually grow.
Again, I want to mention those four volunteers from Mary Queen of Peace. They know who they are. Two of them were called to this ministry about 8 years ago and now they number 4, who faithfully visit 2-3 times every month and sometimes more. With great joy, Mike, John, Jimmy and Tom, all bring joy to these men, with almost no one besides their pastor, and me, and some family & friends who know what they do in service to Jesus Christ, who reminded us when we visit those in prison, we visit Him.
Please share in our ministry to these men at Rayburn Prison with one simple request: on Christmas morning, when you wake up in prayer, please remember these men, and their families, and pray for their continued steadfastness in their walk with Christ.
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