IServe:
I never said otherwise - That doesn’t mean that they don’t know (deep in their hearts and their consciences) how they’re supposed to treat the prisoners in their care, or that they aren’t under the conviction of the Holy Spirit for the terrible manner in which they’re treating the prisoners entrusted to their care…
These are the administrators! That’s the problem, they get to dictate the atmosphere there. …Not one of them (all Irish names, though) knew what to do at Mass, nor did they go to Communion, so I doubt that they do much worshipping. They are way too full of themselves it appears.
…Just because they all have Irish names doesn’t mean they’re Catholic. In many areas of the USA, Catholics comprise only 2 - 5% of the area’s population - Most of the rest are Protestants. Your Bosses could very well be Protestants, and their lack of understanding of the Catholic Mass, as well as their refusal to come forward to receive our Lord’s Body and Blood, could be explained by that.
I understand that you’re upset at the administrators, but seeing them as “full of themselves” is the type of judgment you don’t want to be making, esp. since these are the people you’re going to have to work with if you wish the way prisoners are treated to change in that prison…
I have been thinking, and since I know most of these guys’ info, I may just really turn out to be a friend and begin writing to them. There is no reason for me to stop teaching them just because I can’t be there in person. Any opinions about this idea?
…IServe,I don’t like the idea of skulking behind peoples’ backs, which is what you’d be doing if you did this. I would first try to see if the Administrators could understand what a Christian ministry/outreach is and how one works and what the effects of GENUINE CONVERSION have been shown to be on RECIDIVISM (Yes, it’s OK to use their language, and you might need to do some research).
Only if you can’t get them to listen or to see you would I ask permission to write some of the prisoners (You have the right to write, but asking permission will make them feel a little better and take the skulking out of the deal). At the same time, you might try to see if you can participate in the Sunday Services (you might have to find a way to arrange Sunday Masses in the prison if they aren’t being celebrated already).
Please understand, all your correspondence is going to be read before it gets to the inmate, and I’d strongly suggest using a P.O.Box, preferably in a different town from the one you live in…
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, I cried when I read them this morning and I feel the “balm of Gilead” in this prayer community.
…You welcome, and thank you. Glad we could be of help.
Your Brother in Christ, Michael
P.PS.: May the LORD be with you and aid you as you meet your manager, and may He guide the outcome for His ends.
