Prison ministry fulfills Jesus’ Gospel mandate
Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2015 16:26 | 
Written by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond | 
You visited the Rayburn Correctional Center in Angie last week. What was that experience like for you?
I’ve made pastoral visits to prisons before, and, for me, it always is a very spiritual experience. Rayburn is a state prison located north of Bogalusa – it’s about a 90-minute drive from New Orleans. There are about 1,300 inmates there, and about 350 are Catholic. The offenses for which the men are sent to Rayburn can include drugs, violent crimes and sexual misconduct. I was able to meet the men informally, hear confessions for about a half-hour and celebrate Mass. For me, it’s always a spiritual moment to be able to fulfill the words of Jesus, “When I was imprisoned, you visited me.”
How many men attended the Mass?
There were about 60 who came for the Mass. For the homily, I directed my words especially to them. Whenever I visit a prison it is interesting, because this is not a world that I know much about. But it is very humbling to hear their personal stories and sometimes their admissions of guilt. Sometimes, they don’t admit their guilt and say they are wrongly accused. I think it’s important to listen to their stories and try to get some sense of what they are feeling. I reminded them that Jesus never abandons us. To the contrary, he opens wide his arms when we find ourselves in challenging times and difficulties and are feeling alone. Some of these men live with such an emptiness of heart. Some realize that it’s a result of their own wrongdoing. Some realize they have hurt others. But, no matter the severity of the crime, God has not abandoned them.
What kind of stories did the men tell you?
I heard about their appeals to get out of prison. I also met a few people who are preparing to finish their prison sentence, but they’re afraid to go back into the world. I told them in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we have a wonderful transitional program called Cornerstone Builders that helps the recently incarcerated adjust to living back in society again. We know how difficult it is for people to leave prison and get jobs. Financial issues play a big role in high recidivism rates. Cornerstone Builders allows the recently released to work as part of a team so that they gain some necessary skills that will help them readjust to living a free life again. I’m so pleased we have this program. People can call 310-6954 for more information.
Did anyone else go with you on your prison visit?
Yes. Deacon Michael Talbot, who is a permanent deacon assigned to Most Holy Trinity Parish in Covington, went with me along with Michael Holland of Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Mandeville and Sam Cefalu of Annunciation Parish in Bogalusa. Deacon Talbot has a regular ministry to the inmates at Rayburn that includes about eight laypersons. Catholic deacons and lay ministers have a weekly presence at Rayburn and other prisons located throughout the area. Also, Father Daniel Brouillette, who is the pastor of Annunciation Church, provides a regular Mass for the inmates and hears their confessions. John Messenheimer, who heads up our prison ministry, also makes regular visits and recently provided a retreat day. John is always looking for more people who would like to join his team of lay ministers who visit prisons to speak to inmates. Our prison ministry office offers the resources and training needed. John is very willing to speak at parishes to let Catholics know how they can get volunteer training.
What can local Catholics do to help?
Prison ministry is an area I would really like to see grow. Most parishes have ministries that care for the poor by offering food and clothing. I would love to have more parishes offer opportunities for prison ministry because it’s such an important outreach of the church. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Inmates are paying the price for the crimes they have committed. Jesus mandates our visiting them if we are to be called his disciples. Anyone feeling God’s whisper about embarking on prison ministry should call 267-9727 or email jmessenheimer@arch-no.org .
No comments:
Post a Comment