One long year away from prison; prayers requested

 March 7, 2020 - March 7, 2021 - exactly one year since I have been inside Rayburn Prison as the Catholic Pastoral Chaplain for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  One long year.  On March 7th last year the men gathered in the prison chapel for a day long Lenten retreat focusing on Carmelite spirituality.  It was a great day.  The men also enjoyed a special luncheon brought in just for those participating in this retreat.  As we left that day we were anticipating our Wednesday night (March 11,2020) visit by Bishop Cheri, the auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  It would not be; the call came the day before from prison administration and DOC: no outside visitation until further notice due to this virus thing that has been in the news.  Coronavirus, that Covid19, would cause the prisons to implement extreme precautions so there would be no super spreader inside a facility such as Rayburn.

Despite several attempts to inquire if we could come in, even with those on the team who have been vaccinated, the decision by DOC is no, not yet.  All we have been able to do is check on them via the administration chaplain, send letters and cards and an occasional video message to be played for the men.

We have missed out on everything, just like many Catholics have; the end of Lent, Easter, Pentecost, summer retreats, Advent and Christmas and now, it's Lent again.

If you would do me a favor in this time of absence and separation; please pray for all the men incarcerated in Rayburn Correctional with an extra prayer for the men who participate in the faith through our St. Peter's Catholic Community at the prison.  You know the ministry was never so strong; from the 25 or so who would attend back when I began some 12 years ago, to the almost 150 men gathered on March 7, 2020.  Please same a prayer for their well being and steadfastness in all things faith.  Jesus commanded us to visit the men in prison and preach to them the Good News.  That's what we do with our prison ministry program from the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  We long to return; earnestly, we do.