Ministry to Prisoners

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Juliet512

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Hello,

I recently wrote a letter to a young man who is in prison for murder. He killed my first cousin, in fact. Anyway, I sent him some holy cards and told him I was praying for him everyday. He wrote me back and he seems very grateful for me reaching out to him. But he is really depressed and says he has tried to kill himself several times. He says he would rather be dead than endure the hardships of prison and, I know he has suffered greatly…so much so that he had to be hospitalized due to brutality from other inmates.

I guess I’m feeling overwhelmed now and I’m not sure what to write or do. I know there must be many Catholics who have experience providing ministry in prisons and helping prisoners. I’m hoping to find a mentor or someone to sort of guide me. Of course, I’m praying about it and asking for discernment but, if anyone has advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Pax Christi,
Juliet
 
There should be some prison ministry serving this prison. Ask the local Catholic parishes or even nearby Protestant Evangelical churches.
 
There should be some prison ministry serving this prison. Ask the local Catholic parishes or even nearby Protestant Evangelical churches.
Thanks PaulftomIoea,

I thought about writing the local priests in the area where the prison is located. I will do that. This prison is located about 6 hours from where I live. I was hoping that I could convince this young man to speak with a priest. I haven’t yet asked him if he was baptized or what his religious experience has been, if any.

I guess mostly I would like help in knowing what to say/write to him? I’m sure every individual sentenced to life in prison has their own unique experience with their own unique psychological issues to deal with etc. however I also imagine that there are some shared experiences all prisoners have? And I was imagining if I found someone who was experienced with prison ministry, that they would be familiar with those things and how to address it. For instance, I imagine many prisoners sentenced to life contemplate suicide and deal with depression.

Just some thoughts…
 
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