My reflection 2 years ago; yes, I still miss prison ministry

 

Long time coming: an update from the Abitadeacon

 This Friday morning finds me in my office at my parish church, working on some projects, listening to Gregorian chant and contemplating the realities of the day, of this time, of this season of my life.  Overall, 2022, despite its many everyday blessings and God's always abundant graces, has been a year of challenge.  Both my wife and I battled through some health issues; bless her heart Wendy is still battling.  It has been a year of extended hospitalizations, doctor visits and even confronting head on the possibility that we should began the process of moving to a less demanding home; one that does not require endless grass cutting and maintenance no longer easily accomplished.

Very recently, due to some of what I share above, I discerned that it was time for me to step away from my 14+ year ministry at Rayburn Correctional Center.  During that time, I was called the Catholic pastoral care chaplain for the men who clung to their Catholic faith despite incarceration.  I have written many times here of the joy of this ministry, the unexpected gifts of grace and peace as I went about my responsibilities as a prison chaplain.  To leave this ministry was not easy to do; it was not easy to admit how necessary it became.  In a big state-run prison, there is lots of walking, really a lot of walking.  There is also lots of waiting and my chronic rheumatoid arthritis was not holding up to the rigors of the long walks and waits through the control room, halls and walkways of Rayburn.  Thankfully, Archbishop Aymond graciously accepted my decision, and we await, with joyful anticipation, the assignment of a deacon, much younger than I, to take my place.  I am also thrilled to learn of the recent commitment of a local priest who will be visiting once a month to hear confessions and offer Mass.  I hope to still be able to go into the prison on occasion, so I did arrange to have my security clearance updated.  We will see where this leads, but the most important thing is that these men be fed spiritually from the deposit of faith and the fullness of Truth and hear the word of God and feast on the Body & Blood of Jesus.

Meanwhile, my life and my service as a Deacon has taken on new meaning and purpose since I joined the staff at my parish in Abita Springs.  I spend a good part of everyday at St. Jane de Chantal assisting both the pastor and parishioners in a myriad of activities, projects, plans and ministries.  One unexpected joy has been working very closely with our RCIA program and team as well as my expanded opportunities with Bible studies and more.  I am very happy to be available during the day to assist at funerals, plan weddings in a more complete way and experience the gift of the many parishioners who call or visit every day, many in need of help, someone to listen, someone to be present to them.

It is also a great joy, as a grandparent, to be able to spend so much time with the 2 grandchildren who live nearby.  Wendy and I bring them to school a couple of times a week even though that requires us to be on the road long before the sun comes up.  Brennan and Walker keep us busy and smiling a lot as we are able to interact with them often.  My other 2 grands live so far away from us and our physical time with them is very limited.  We often Skype, something I started doing with the family even as Calvin was a mere newborn.  He and his sister Katelyn are a joy, and it always lifts our spirits when we can catch up, either in person (the best way) or via Skype.

I mentioned earlier that we have at least entered into discussions about staying in our current home or moving elsewhere.  We have been in our current place for nearly 27 years and have always been "at home" and comfortable on my almost 10 acres.  We still can recall fondly those days when the place was home to 5 horses, a goat, chickens and critters galore.  The early days when deer roamed freely on the property in the fall and winter and the turkeys in the spring are also fond memories.  We've grown our own food on this place and marveled at beautiful scenery that comes with acreage in a real country setting.  Our first major accomplishment was the emptying out of our overfilled attic and barn.  We filled up two huge dumpsters with our accumulated stuff and made several runs to charities with numerous items.  It seems that the reality is not so much if we move but when we move; I do not anticipate it will be that soon, probably a year or so from now.  I don't think it would be easy to move but reality may be the eventual decision point that requires a move.  If we move, we will stay close so we can remain in the area we have grown to love, close to the family also here in Louisiana and close to my parish ministries.

So, as I return to the duties of the day and continue to listen to this beautiful Gregorian chant, I ready myself for a weekend of ministry, family and the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart this afternoon.  Peace and prayers to all.  

Long time coming: an update from the Abitadeacon

 This Friday morning finds me in my office at my parish church, working on some projects, listening to Gregorian chant and contemplating the realities of the day, of this time, of this season of my life.  Overall, 2022, despite its many everyday blessings and God's always abundant graces, has been a year of challenge.  Both my wife and I battled through some health issues; bless her heart Wendy is still battling.  It has been a year of extended hospitalizations, doctor visits and even confronting head on the possibility that we should began the process of moving to a less demanding home; one that does not require endless grass cutting and maintenance no longer easily accomplished.

Very recently, due to some of what I share above, I discerned that it was time for me to step away from my 14+ year ministry at Rayburn Correctional Center.  During that time, I was called the Catholic pastoral care chaplain for the men who clung to their Catholic faith despite incarceration.  I have written many times here of the joy of this ministry, the unexpected gifts of grace and peace as I went about my responsibilities as a prison chaplain.  To leave this ministry was not easy to do; it was not easy to admit how necessary it became.  In a big state-run prison, there is lots of walking, really a lot of walking.  There is also lots of waiting and my chronic rheumatoid arthritis was not holding up to the rigors of the long walks and waits through the control room, halls and walkways of Rayburn.  Thankfully, Archbishop Aymond graciously accepted my decision, and we await, with joyful anticipation, the assignment of a deacon, much younger than I, to take my place.  I am also thrilled to learn of the recent commitment of a local priest who will be visiting once a month to hear confessions and offer Mass.  I hope to still be able to go into the prison on occasion, so I did arrange to have my security clearance updated.  We will see where this leads, but the most important thing is that these men be fed spiritually from the deposit of faith and the fullness of Truth and hear the word of God and feast on the Body & Blood of Jesus.

Meanwhile, my life and my service as a Deacon has taken on new meaning and purpose since I joined the staff at my parish in Abita Springs.  I spend a good part of everyday at St. Jane de Chantal assisting both the pastor and parishioners in a myriad of activities, projects, plans and ministries.  One unexpected joy has been working very closely with our RCIA program and team as well as my expanded opportunities with Bible studies and more.  I am very happy to be available during the day to assist at funerals, plan weddings in a more complete way and experience the gift of the many parishioners who call or visit every day, many in need of help, someone to listen, someone to be present to them.

It is also a great joy, as a grandparent, to be able to spend so much time with the 2 grandchildren who live nearby.  Wendy and I bring them to school a couple of times a week even though that requires us to be on the road long before the sun comes up.  Brennan and Walker keep us busy and smiling a lot as we are able to interact with them often.  My other 2 grands live so far away from us and our physical time with them is very limited.  We often Skype, something I started doing with the family even as Calvin was a mere newborn.  He and his sister Katelyn are a joy, and it always lifts our spirits when we can catch up, either in person (the best way) or via Skype.

I mentioned earlier that we have at least entered into discussions about staying in our current home or moving elsewhere.  We have been in our current place for nearly 27 years and have always been "at home" and comfortable on my almost 10 acres.  We still can recall fondly those days when the place was home to 5 horses, a goat, chickens and critters galore.  The early days when deer roamed freely on the property in the fall and winter and the turkeys in the spring are also fond memories.  We've grown our own food on this place and marveled at beautiful scenery that comes with acreage in a real country setting.  Our first major accomplishment was the emptying out of our overfilled attic and barn.  We filled up two huge dumpsters with our accumulated stuff and made several runs to charities with numerous items.  It seems that the reality is not so much if we move but when we move; I do not anticipate it will be that soon, probably a year or so from now.  I don't think it would be easy to move but reality may be the eventual decision point that requires a move.  If we move, we will stay close so we can remain in the area we have grown to love, close to the family also here in Louisiana and close to my parish ministries.

So, as I return to the duties of the day and continue to listen to this beautiful Gregorian chant, I ready myself for a weekend of ministry, family and the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart this afternoon.  Peace and prayers to all.  

All prison volunteer activity, including Catholic services, visitations, are once again suspended in Louisiana; please pray for our Catholic ministry at Rayburn correctional

 

DOC suspends visitation, volunteering at Louisiana’s state-run prisons due to fourth COVID surge

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Officials with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DOC) say they are suspending visitation and volunteering at all of Louisiana’s state-run prisons until at least Aug. 16 due to the state’s fourth surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

DOC issued the following statement on Tuesday, July 27:

“Out of an abundance of caution concerning the latest surge of COVID-19 positive cases in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) has suspended prisoner visitation and volunteering effective immediately through August 16, 2021, at Louisiana’s eight state-run prisons. The Department has taken this precautionary measure to protect its staff and prisoner populations, and will review and reconsider the need for these measures on August 16, 2021.

In lieu of visitation, the Department will continue to offer two free phone calls per week to ensure inmates have continued connection to family and friends during this event. In addition, video calling remains available for a fee.

At least it's something: how soon can we return to prison ministry?

 You all know the story - Prison ministry has been shut down at the prison I visit since March 11, 2020.  That's one year and one day since the disappointing but understandable news.  I have not been inside Rayburn Correctional since Saturday, March 7, 2020.  I knew it might be some time before I could return; little did I know it would take this long.

Yesterday, there was a sliver of promising news.  The Department of Corrections in Louisiana and Governor Edwards decided to reinstate family visitation for the incarcerated.  I am happy for the men I minister to and for their families.  As I read the rest of the article it stated that DOC was instructed to put a plan in place to reinstate prison ministry visits in the not too distant future.

I pray this will not be tooo long and I can assure you, once given the green light, I'll be there.  I earnestly long to return to my Catholic faith family at Rayburn Correctional - the St. Peter's Catholic Community.  I have one ask: pray that this will be worked out soon and pray for these Catholic brothers who are striving to work out their salvation as we all are.

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.

I am missing about 125 brothers tonight

 Tonight should mark the 12th year spending the night before Thanksgiving at Rayburn Correctional Center, the state run prison facility that houses about 1,100 men.  Since the 1st Thanksgiving after my ordination until last year, Rayburn is where I have been as others put finishing touches on the big Thanksgiving feast.  Tonight, like every other Wednesday night since March, the men will have no outside visitors, no worship, no true feast of the ultimate thanksgiving, the Eucharist.  All of us who minister to the men on the inside from the outside have not been allowed inside the state prison since Coronavirus became a thing.  It's understandable, it makes sense, and it's so frustrating, for them I'm sure and for me and all my fellow ministers.

Super frustrating because we have had no meaningful communication so I do not even know if they will meet in chapel and pray, if they will have a special meal tomorrow, if any of them have/or will be heading home.

So my ask today is maybe you join me in praying for these men who have come together as a strong community of Catholic faithful.  Pray for their continued growth in the spiritual life, for their journey, for their peace.  I wish I was with them tonight.

Saturday morning, like early morning, inside a prison

Almost 160 inmates at Rayburn Correctional attended our Spring Saturday retreat based on Carmelite Spirituality.  The retreat was led by Deacon Ricky Suprean, ordained with me in 2008, and Dr. Neal Faciane, a 3rd Order Carmelite.  After a brief breakfast, the retreat leaders guided us through Carmelite Spirituality effectively using music, spiritual reflections, informative talks and prayer.

After the morning session the men were treated to a meal from the "outside" from Buffalo Wild Wings, consisting of wings, carrots and celery with dipping sauce and dessert.  Believe me, the men rarely get good food or food with color so the meals were a treat.

The retreat leaders concluded this afternoon with prayer for the men especially if they had special needs.

I want to thank both Deacon Ricky and Dr. Faciane as well as Archdiocesan Prison Director John Messenheimer.

No rest for the weary with prison ministry at this institution; on Wednesday we will be visited by our Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop Fernand Cheri.

Stand by for a report on this event too.  For now, thanks be to God for a beautiful, wonderful day at prison and the gift of prison ministry.

It just seems like a good night to share my reflections and thoughts

The Sunday night before Labor Day; tons and tons of thoughts on my mind.  First of all I can't get my mind off of what has become a massive hurricane.  Although this will not impact us in south Louisiana, Hurricane Dorian is devastating many of the Bahama islands and is still a source of great concern for Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas.  For us, personally, we will be trying to get to North Carolina come Wednesday or Thursday so we need to be incredibly weather aware these next few days.

Labor Day for me and so many others we were so close to was all about the MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon in Las Vegas.  Because of the fund raising of our organization, the Louisiana Jaycees, Wendy and I would find ourselves in Las Vegas for Labor Day often.  One year, I did a different trip and spent time in other parts of Nevada.  Of course I loved and respected the Telethon and everything Jerry Lewis did for MDA.  Over time, that just all seemed to go away and now, with his passing, there does not appear to be any nationally televised fundraiser.  Yet, the MDA Telethon is a source of great memories for me and my introduction to the state of Nevada and Las Vegas.

Labor Day also was the last picnic of the summer when I was a child at my aunt & uncles place.  This now seems like a million years ago.  When the picnic was over and all went home we had a sense of no more summer and school was here in full.  One final Labor Day memory; after we moved to Abita Springs I recall fondly the big Labor Day pig roast and party hosted by neighbors right across the street in this idyllic little subdivision in the country.  And this too is another fond memory of Labor Day's past.

Labor Day weekend means we finally have made it to September and that can be a good thing.  Now make no mistake, September in southern Louisiana really does mean hot.  We will not see relief from summer heat doldrums until probably late October.  It truly is not fall or autumn at all during the 9th month of the year.  But, at least we are headed in the right direction.  September does mean football and at all levels.  The high school games began the other night and college football returned yesterday with both LSU and Tulane securing big time opening season victories.  The New Orleans Saints have completed the pre-season and opening game is just a week away.  Football will be on my TV often throughout these next 5-6 months.  We actually have high hopes for both LSU and the Saints.

September brings more activity at the Church and for me that means the return of an adult Bible study program.  Starting next Tuesday and through December we will undertake a 10 week study of the letter of James.  Now we began doing this at St. Jane about 4 years ago and have covered a lot and the Bible study just keeps growing.  As of this very evening I understand we have 85 adults signed up an paid up!  That is incredibly rewarding that our adults or that interested in following the Bible that they get involved in these kind of numbers.  September also brings a program of CPT for deacon candidates so two of them are participating with me at Rayburn Correctional.  They both have already experienced the first night of the program and got to witness the Baptism of one of the adult men currently incarcerated at Rayburn.  Over the next few months these men will have an opportunity to interact with the inmate parishioners and learn more about the importance and presence of prison ministry.

Finally, the abitadeacon has finally decided that enough is enough and I will pursue a full right knee replacement. The pain was so bad last week that I actually had to use a cane to get through Mass and a couple of days at work.  My doctor and I have decided to treat the acute pain now with cortisone and ice and that will delay the knee replacement until December 2nd.  Date is set.  I will get a full cardiac workup before the procedure and do a couple of weeks of exercise the month before.  If you know me at all, it took everything I got, mentally and spiritually, to decide it is time to do this.  So as this gets closer, you all will be hearing my progress toward full knee replacement.

So tonight, incredibly relaxed in my home on a pretty nice Sunday night in late summer and await Labor Day and the start of our next drive to North Carolina.  I am keeping at least one wary eye on Hurricane Dorian and holding all impacted folks in my prayers, especially tonight the good folks of the Bahamas.

Enjoy your Labor Day and always remember, summer is almost over; thanks be to God!

On this Saturday I visited prison and we looked for God...

I awoke to rain and reports on the TV of severe weather and tornados to the south.  It would be one of those mornings you could easily just pull up the covers and let it rain.  Not this Saturday.  Today we schedule our spring retreat, or day of reflection, for the men of Rayburn Correctional, a state prison just about 50 minutes north of my house.  So I shrugged off the need to stay in bed and off I went, stopping first at St. Jane's Church to secure Holy Eucharist for a Communion Service at the prison.  Not only did I get to assist the Pastor but was blessed to preach.  After securing Jesus we took a drive to the prison in a Saturday morning drizzle.  After we arrived I secured the Eucharist properly, and stepped into chapel to hear incredible presentations from Sister Judy Gomilla and Dr. Augustine Ansel.  They helped the men understand and seek God in sacred art, nature, beauty, their brother and themselves!  Lunch break brought a wonderfully prepared meal from a local establishment in the tiniest of towns known as Sun, LA.  We fed the men BBQ chicken legs and thighs, fresh salad, pork-n-beans and dessert.  The men ate hearty as these types of meals are few and far between.

The afternoon brought two more incredible presentations by our two presenters and we concluded with a beautiful communion service where 75 men received Jesus in Holy Eucharist.  They heard the readings and Gospels from Sunday's liturgy.  We had music from the band made up of the inmates who worship with us in the Catholic community.  We received several intentions to join the faith and one requesting Baptism.  I will work with these men to make it happen, God willing.

So we looked for God and found Him because He is always there by our side and He is always there dwelling in us.  I've always said, as a now 10 year chaplain for the Catholic community at Rayburn that I always deeply experience God in the men and the way they worship, the way they receive Jesus in Holy Communion (many receive on the tongue) and almost all return from Communion and kneel on a cold concrete floor.  Beautiful.

So here I am again, this time a late Saturday afternoon and I'm feeling that holy exhaustion but exhilarated by a day well spent and prison as we looked for God and there He was!

Love Prison Ministry!

Palm Sunday in Prison

We celebrated Palm Sunday in Prison tonight, looking forward to the celebration of this coming Sunday.  The men had arranged for palms to be on the altar which I blessed and we had the full reading of the Gospel utilizing the four parts, Christ, Narrator, Voice, Crowd.  We even read the opening Gospel so we could hear proclaimed the story of the triumphal palm waving entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.

I was able to preach tonight on both Gospels and explain the use of our voices and our very selves to both praise and worship Jesus; Hosanna! and then yell Crucify Him!

I also preached on that beautiful kenotic hymn that was the 2nd reading from Philippians.

We then had a beautiful, respectful Communion Service and a ending blessing to send them back to their bunks to pray with the words of tonight's readings and prepare for Holy Week.  Next week we will pray forward the Triduum and walk through Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.

And hopefully I will soon be able to deliver some Easter words of encouragement cards for the men as prepared by our youth group.  What a blessing this will be to the men and what a wonderful work of service by our young Catholics.

God bless the men of our Catholic Community as they may be filled with Easter joy!

Last night was a great night, inside the prison

Rayburn Correctional, Angie, LA, the home to over 1,100 incarcerated men, many carrying long sentences for unspeakable crimes.  Yet this is where I have been able to visit, as a chaplain for the Archdiocese, about 20-25 times a year since 2009.  I often come here or to FB after every visit with words of hope and joy from my perspective of spending time with our Catholic community, usually 100 men worshipping strong.

Last night we were privileged to host our very own Archbishop, Gregory Aymond.  He arrived to just be with the men, no fanfare, just a bishop and his flock.  He brought along one of the priests of the Archdiocese, Fr. Tim Hedrick, who is guiding an effort at his parish to get involved with prison ministry.

The Archbishop first offered an opportunity for confessions, along with Fr. Tim then we gathered for the celebration of the Mass.  The Archbishop delivered a wonderful homily based on the Gospel of that 1 lost sheep and the shepherd going after that sheep to bring him back to the flock.  He told the men that all of them are not only part of the flock, but each is specially loved by God.  He delivered the very right message for the men to hear.  The Archbishop and Fr. Tim distributed Holy Communion and like me were moved by the many men who knelt on hard concrete floors in adoration of the Eucharistic Lord.

When Mass was over the Archbishop, as usual, took his time telling each of the men good bye as they were called back to their dorms one dorm at a time.  He even posed for a few pictures, as provided by the institution since we can not carry cell phones or cameras into the prison.

And when we left for the evening he thanked all of us who work in ministry throughout the year to help bring Christ to the incarcerated, who in turn show us Christ in their personal and communal witness.

I want to recognize the many volunteers who come from Annunciation Parish in Bogalusa, Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Mandeville, Fr. Daniel Brouillette and Director John Messenheimer who together compose our ministry team.

And thank you Archbishop Aymond for your endless prayers and tangible support for our Catholic Community at Rayburn and prison ministry across the Archdiocese.

A very special night inside Rayburn Prison

A Wednesday night this close to Christmas at Rayburn could only mean one thing: the annual Christmas Banquet provided to the men by our Catholic volunteers from Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Mandeville with a nice assist from the volunteers from Annunciation Parish in Bogalusa and even our newest volunteers from St. Joseph Parish in Ponchatoula.  I was blown away tonight that 110 men were in attendance, by far our largest number of inmates participating.  These men make up the vast number of men who now worship with us every Wednesday night.  This is a far cry from the 8-10 men who worshipped with us in the beginning of this ministry and even a sharp uptick from the 30-50 we had up to 2-3 years ago.  There is a mighty move of God present at Rayburn within our Catholic Community.

Tonight the men were able to enjoy salad, chicken fingers with various dipping sauces, macaroni and cheese, ham, rice with sausage, dinner rolls and soft drinks and tea.  For desert, how about Christmas decorated King Cakes, donuts and sweet rolls, ice cream and chocolate syrup.  Wow!

After dinner one of the volunteers read the Christmas Gospel from St. Luke and the men led us in a beautifully sung rendition of Silent Night.  The men than asked all the volunteers and clergy to stand in front and each one of us was presented with many beautiful and heartfelt gifts; a book of Christmas reflections from Scripture, a journal and ink pen, both with beautiful Scripture verses about thankfulness, a Guardian Angel visor pin for our cars, to protect us as we drive long distances to Rayburn and a beautiful card signed by all the men.  All of us were overwhelmed by the gesture and blown away by their thoughtfulness.  How they managed to afford this for all the volunteers, in excess of 20 people now, is a true Christmas miracle.

By far, this evening is the highlight of the men's Christmas experience.  Separated from family and friends, this is the closest thing to a celebration of Christmas, especially from a Catholic perspective, these men will enjoy.  Some may not even hear from their own families.

So a great night for these 110 inmates from the Catholic Community at Rayburn but an even greater night for all our Catholic volunteers, and the clergy, who are honored to serve God by serving these men from Rayburn Prison.

My night of prison ministry wore me out

I made a grand return to the chapel of Rayburn Prison after a month or so away, not of my own doing, and was met by a robust turnout of almost 100 men.  It was great to see them all again.  I guess I had a lot to say as we covered plenty of ground as I preached for almost 30 minutes.

The response from the men were generous as they asked that we pray for those who will be impacted by the hurricane, the memories of those impacted at 9-11 and for one of the men present who lost his mom last week.  And no, he was not allowed to go to the funeral.

So as I left I felt great but at home, I was wore out.  Unable to do just about anything but fall asleep.  It was that much of a spiritually fulfilling night with the men that I was done.

I love prison ministry!

A Monday morning pre- go to work reflection

Well I've done this before; three previous times to be exact and each one was a personal motivation to encourage me to get to work because things were either very stressful or worse.  One of thee motivated me to get away from the toxic work action going on at a previous bank, who I won't name but perhaps something from them is in your wallet!!!  This Monday there is no such problem.  Work has been very productive, although demanding and I am currently working for a very stable, strong bank that is going through some exciting times with a new brand.  In fact the work of my little staff at the financial center I manage in Pearl River has been encouraging and inspirational.

Today I am reflecting on ministry; and as my readers should know, I love ministry and believe there is only one way to minister, robustly!  So I plan to review all the activities over a 4 day period that began Thursday.  Thursday was May 3rd and the national day of prayer.  In the town of Pearl River, the Mayor hosted a prayer breakfast and I was in that number.  In fact my bank helped to sponsor the event.  Several local area mayors and other politicians spoke about the founding fathers and the nations beginnings based on faith in God.  The guest speaker, a local minister, Dr. Michael Sprague spoke eloquently about the need for God in the lives of our political leaders and the political process.  He ministers directly to Louisiana's top public officials and leads a Bible Study for members of the Louisiana House and Senate.  It was a great morning; very uplifting and a chance for this life long Catholic boy, and Permanent Deacon, to pray with and fellowship with folks from several different Christian faiths.

On Thursday night, after I got my knees fixed(for now), I met about 40 parishioners from St. Jane for dinner at a local eatery.  Apparently this group has been doing this for some time, a form of fellowship, and this month my schedule permitted me to attend.  It was a nice evening and good to be with these folks in another environment outside of church.

Friday was the 1st of May so of course, our day to offer Adoration & Benediction.  While I am at work all day, I return to Church to offer Benediction.  We truly have some very devoted adorers who stay for Benediction but truthfully, we could use more worshippers.  Immediately after Benediction, we had a late night Friday wedding at the church which always involves my wife who is our wedding coordinator.  It made for a very busy night around St. Jane!

After all that Saturday dawned very early for me as I drove up to Angie to participate in the all day retreat for the Catholic Community at Rayburn Prison.  I've put up a blog post earlier about this exciting day which included 154 men, a beautiful presentation on love as God commands us to love, and then great food that the men enjoyed.  The day lasted from about 8 am until 3 pm.  Free from any vigil masses, I spent my Saturday finalizing the homily I delivered Sunday morning at 8 am and then again Sunday at 6 pm.  In the middle of the day our parish had a beautiful May crowning, a long standing Catholic tradition.  Unfortunately, the good Deacon missed this event because I took a nap that lasted way past my best intentions.  After Mass last night, I had a chance to unwind a little bit and now it's off to work.

So it is a good Monday morning, I'm ready to get to work and looking forward to another very busy week of some awesome ministry.

Thanks be to God!

All my hope is in Jesus

At today's retreat at Rayburn Prison Sister Judy found this song and played it for the men; many knew it, by the end of the song, 154 men were singing:" all my hope is in Jesus"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isxchQqj0MI&start_radio=1&list=RDisxchQqj0MI

Home from prison and what a day; all about love

I am home from our all-day, one-day retreat at Rayburn and yes, I am exhausted and so fulfilled! We had 154 men attend the retreat where they heard from prison ministry director John Messenheimer and Sister Judy Gomilla on the subject of love.  So appropriate with this weekend's Mass readings all about love but normally a tough subject inside prison.  John and Sister Judy did a masterful job of explaining love from the prospective of God's love for us, the love of Jesus, the love commanded of us by God.

The men went through several exercises focused on the attributes of L-O-V-E using the letters of the word love to describe love, another exercise playing the parts of the three protagonists in the Biblical account of the Prodigal son, another using tootsie pops to understand that differences on the outside cannot deny the oneness of all on the inside, and finally, the challenge of writing a love letter to God.

Yes, these are men, in prison, and they all participated fully.

For these men one of the highlights indeed is food.  John arranged for a grand lunch catered by Olive Garden, salad, meatballs and spaghetti, bread sticks; food unlike what the men eat on a daily basis in prison.  Always, a fresh salad is a very desired thing inside prison.  For the morning, the men were served simple foods that again they don't get to eat" apples & bananas, blueberry muffins and juice.

Another delight today was the praise and worship music from the band that was formed a year or so ago from the membership of our Catholic Community.

Of course with 154 men present several were guests of our Catholic inmates so we of course extended an invitation to each of them to come and join us every week for our Catholic services and monthly Mass.

All in all it was a beautiful day and I know many grew closer in their relationship with God.  I know that they were engaged as we shared love; the love of God who is love Himself.

Saturday and ministry awaits; in prison!

I will not be blogging most of this Saturday and that's ok because ministry today calls me back to Rayburn Prison.  The event today is an all day retreat for about 150 men.  Guest speakers from the Archdiocese of New Orleans will break open God's Word in a way that will speak to them and then we feed them a grand big meal.  So that's where I will be from about 8 this morning until 4 this afternoon.

By the way, this is just one of many, many events for the abitadeacon this weekend and I will be sharing all weekend long!

Ash Wednesday in Prison

It was indeed an awesome, spiritual night.  107 men attended services tonight, receiving ashes, as they heard the words "remember you are dust and to dust you shall return".  Utilizing the readings of the day I preached practically (remember these are inmates with little to no choices) about prayer, fasting and giving alms, or as I put it, giving charity.

Approximately 75 men received Holy Communion.

Another inmate approached us about pursuing becoming Catholic.  That makes 7 men since October.  These men are made aware of the mighty move of God by the Catholic community and they want to belong.  They want to be part of the Church Christ started; the fullness of truth.

I left the men spiritually and emotionally high as a kite.  What an incredible night of God's grace and the threefold reality of hearing God's Word, distribution of ashes and reception of Holy Communion.

Thanks be to God for such a beautiful evening inside a state prison facility.

The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat

Happy Saturday night or, as it is in New Orleans, Happy Samedi Gras!

I just posted my feelings about Mardi Gras on Facebook; I can't wait for it to be over and I dislike the whole idea of getting involved in so much crazy.  I mean floats roll by, throwing penny trinkets and people defy the weather, fight to clutch and grab and come home with a bag of junk worth about $ 1.98.  Now I know of which I speak.  Until I got wise, I was Mr. Carnival, Captain Mardi Gras.  I would chase parade after parade, grovel for cheap plastic throws, collect doubloons and plan my next parade adventure with gusto.  For me, it has grown old.  Look, it is an incredibly rich tradition in New Orleans, and other places too, but not like New Orleans, and it was given to us from France.  But as usual, we have taken the original religious, deeply Catholic traditions of Carnival, farewell to the flesh, and have made it a literal circus.  Mardi Gras was a day, Carnival season reserved for traditions, not the now 4-week long litany of parade after parade, around 100 in the greater New Orleans/southeast Louisiana area.  To each their own: I would never want to see a "no" Carnival season and I wish profound happiness to those who get joy at going to the festivities, but for me, a big fat no thank you.  Yes, I catch the local and small parade that passes by the church, and I will watch a major parade or two on local TV, but that is all.  I often wonder, my so many people, not all but many, would not make the same extraordinary effort to get to church, learn the Bible, receive the Eucharist and worship God as they do to catch a silly parade.  But like I say, to each their own!

By the way, there is one real major reason, in addition to my logic displayed above, to miss out on this parade frenzy, it's called the Winter Olympics 2018.  I love the Olympic games, be they summer or winter.  Now we have the winter games from South Korea. I admit the winter sports is an education for me as I do not know a lot about such things.  And I also like Olympics because I cheer for the good old USA and I want them to dominate in medals.  Sadly that won't happen in these games but is a must in those summer games.  Like ABC used to say every Saturday afternoon, it is the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

While Wendy and I avoid all things Mardi Gras and embrace all things Olympics we are desperately trying to recover and rehab.  Wendy is still dealing with the aftermath of nasty stomach ulcers and blood loss.  Then I caught a nasty cold, head gunk and cough and naturally, Wendy gets that too.  So she has been really struggling with recovery and I must admit, slowed by this nasty stuff.

Ministry will change dramatically in the days and weeks ahead as we enter Lent.  Ash Wednesday will see me assisting at Mass and bringing ashes, hopefully, up to the men at Rayburn Prison.  I also have some duties in Lent that will take me back to Most Holy Trinity Parish (served there from 2011-mid 2015).  One event is the Rite of Election, part of the RCIA process leading to the great Easter Vigil where dozens of thousands, if not more, will be welcomed into the church; converts, a great gift to Holy Mother Church.  And I'll be back again to offer an evening of reflection as part of the parish's Lenten devotions.  And all through Lent there will be opportunity after opportunity to properly prepare for Easter, reflect on our own sinfulness and ask God for His abundant mercy.  Stations of the Cross will be offered every Friday evening at our church so please come by.  We also have a big parish mission in March, details to follow.

So this tired and recovering Deacon is home, comfortable and at peace, recovering and praying for Wendy to recover quickly as we also await the birth of our new granddaughter, expected to arrive in about 2 weeks now.  Yes, no Mardi Gras for me but plenty of Olympics, where we will indeed witness the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Wonderful article in our Archdiocesan newspaper about our ministry at Rayburn Prison; highlighted in this article is our lay team from Mary Queen of Peace

02/07/2018

‘In prison, and you visited me’

Posted By: Jonelle Foltz B.B. “Sixty” Rayburn Correctional Center, Deacon Mike Talbot, Jimmy Dykes, John Maloney, John Messenheimer, Mary Queen of Peace Church, Mike Holland, St. Peter Catholic Community, Tom Schwaner

By Beth Donze
Pops, an inmate at B.B. “Sixty” Rayburn Correctional Center, announces the same personal intention at every Wednesday night Communion service held inside his prison’s 200-seat chapel: “Lord, help us so one day these gates will open up, and we all can go home in glory.”
Such hope, kept alive even in a place wrapped in razor wire, inspires five parishioners from Mary Queen of Peace Church to make the 100-mile round-trip from Mandeville to Rayburn on first, third and fifth Wednesdays in their desire to bring Christ to the incarcerated.
Growing presence since 2005
The group of inmates whom they visit – known as the “St. Peter Catholic Community” – has increased from eight participants at the ministry’s first gathering in 2005, to 90-plus men.

This table was presented to Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville in gratitude for its parishioners’ visits to Rayburn Correctional Center – a ministry that has been taking place since 2005. The table was carved by inmates.

“They are hungering for people who care about them,” said Mike Holland, who co-founded the prison outreach with fellow parishioner John Maloney after a Protestant friend informed him that Rayburn lacked a badly needed Catholic presence.
“Some of the guys have said that this ministry saved their lives, that they found Christ through us,” said Holland, citing fruits that include numerous baptisms, friendships and former congregants who have gone on to find stability in marriage and jobs after their release.
“Some do not respond to rehabilitation, but some do,” Holland said. “The reason we do what we do is that they do rehabilitate.”
Inmate engagement high
The Wednesday-night services, which are followed by a religious-themed movie or talk in the chapel, contain all the elements of a Catholic Mass except for the Eucharistic Prayer and consecration. Because there is no weekend Mass celebrated at the prison, the Wednesday services incorporate the readings, Responsorial Psalm and Gospel of the coming Sunday.
A rotating Mary Queen of Peace volunteer proclaims the Gospel and offers a spiritual reflection on the Scripture readings, but the remainder of the service is announced and organized by the inmates themselves. The incarcerated set up the altar and sound system, pass out hymnals, videotape the service for those who can’t make it, and participate in a choir and band featuring guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and an occasional saxophone.
“When we walk in, it’s a turnkey operation,” Holland marveled. “They don’t participate to get out (of prison) early; they don’t do it for points. They do it because they want to do it; they don’t have to be there.”
Be a ‘small Paul,’ not Job
On the quintet’s most recent trip to Rayburn, on Jan. 31, it was Holland’s turn to offer the spiritual reflection. Standing behind the chapel’s cross-shaped, inmate-carved pulpit, Holland contrasted the protagonists in the night’s two readings: Job, the despairing man who could find no meaning in life; and Paul, the former enemy of Christianity who became the “traveling evangelist” who transformed the church.
“God took (Paul) out of his blindness and gave him the wherewithal to go forward as the great saint of the Gentiles,” Holland told
the inmates, reminding them that like them, Paul had endured alienation and imprisonment.

Holland encouraged the attending inmates to be a “small Paul” – evangelists eager to tell others about how Christ had healed their brokenness and had given them what they needed to thrive.
“This congregation would not have grown to this size unless you were evangelists, right?” Holland said, pointing to an example at Rayburn: the inmate who regularly helped a blind fellow inmate follow the readings and walk to Communion during chapel services.
“How about those of you who wheel in the wheelchair-bound (inmates)? Isn’t that being an evangelist?” Holland asked. “My question to you all is, do you want to be like Job or do you want to be like Paul? Do you want to be the glass-half-empty guy who sees every day as a drudgery, or do you want to be the optimistic fellow like Paul, dedicated to bringing the Word of God to his fellow man? Gentlemen, the choice is up to you.”
Weekly Catholic services
Rayburn, a medium-security prison located in the Washington Parish community of Angie and one of Louisiana’s seven state-run prisons, houses about 1,200 felons serving sentences ranging from five to 30 years.
Catholic inmates held their faith-based activities in a classroom until the inmate-built chapel opened in 2010. Deacon Mike Talbot, director of pastoral care at Rayburn, facilitates most Communion services on the second and fourth Wednesdays, while the pastor of Annunciation Parish in Bogalusa celebrates a monthly Mass there. Guest Mass celebrants invited by the Mary Queen of Peace
ministers over the years have included their pastors, as well as Archbishops Philip Hannan, Alfred Hughes and Gregory Aymond.

“These guys get some kind of service 51 weeks a year,” Holland said. “The only week they don’t get one is the week between Christmas and New Year, when they do their own.”
Grateful for visitors
Brian, an inmate currently serving the final four years of his 22 ½ year sentence, said it was important to the incarcerated to have “somebody who comes from the outside” to facilitate the Communion services.
“There’s a thing about inmates: we don’t like other inmates running things,” Brian said, smiling. “It means so much to us to have them come, because it shows that people care.
“We still are real people that have the same needs the people on the streets have,” Brian added. “We breathe the same air. We just made some big mistakes.”
Bobby, the inmate who leads the chapel band and helps conduct a Thursday night Bible study, said the visitors bring “home” to them, including a sorely missed sense of humor.
“The love of Christ is strong when we come together as brothers in this prison. It’s a miracle!” Bobby said. “When people see it in action they want to be part of it.
“The volunteers here don’t judge us,” Bobby added. “When you mention the word ‘prison,’ people run away. But when they see 100 of us all together in prayer, they say, ‘Wow! Jesus Christ is moving through this community!’”
Putting ‘Christ’ in Christmas
As an expression of gratitude for the Mary Queen of Peace ministry, the community of inmates pooled a portion of their income earned from working prison jobs – pay that ranges from 4 cents to $1 per hour – to surprise the volunteers with a $400 check at last year’s Christmas party. Each volunteer was also given a glass cross etched with “In appreciation for your service in God’s work.”
“I know how hard they had to work for that because they get peanuts to do their jobs, so to commit a percentage of what they earned is really impressive,” said Mary Queen of Peace’s Tom Schwaner, who has been visiting Rayburn for six years.

Schwaner said that while “Jesus himself” asks his followers to visit the imprisoned, his calling to Rayburn has blossomed into so much more than an obligation.
“Homilies take on a new meaning,” Schwaner notes. “Preparing (reflections) involves an intense investigation of the topic you’re discussing with them inside a prison, much more than a priest would (be called on to) give us in the outside world.”
Jimmy Dykes, a 12-year ministry veteran, is continually amazed by how well read the inmates are. They show up with dog-eared Bibles and are able to cite chapter and verse of a given passage.
“The reverence that is expressed when these men go up to receive holy Communion is seen very rarely in our churches – sometimes we do it on such a regular basis that we take it for granted,” said Dykes, describing “a peace that emanates from these men” every time he visits.
“While they’re in prison, in so many ways they’re free,” Dykes said. “Whereas we are free in the outside world, yet we’re in ‘prison,’ with all the noise and the temptations.”
The other lay prison ministers from Mary Queen of Peace are Sam Burguieres and Gordon Cain. John Messenheimer, Prisons Apostolate coordinator for the archdiocese, organizes two annual Saturday retreats at Rayburn. About 40 men and women currently volunteer in jails, prisons and youth detention facilities throughout the archdiocese. To learn more about opportunities to serve, call Messenheimer at 267-9727.