Prison Ministry in New England Opportunities 9th April 2011

[Onedayatatime]

If you would like to learn more about Prison Ministry in New England, then please join us for an informational forum in Boston on the 9th April 1-3pm. This is an amazingly powerful and rewarding ministry for all involved. The program will include leadership of prison minstry in the Diocese, Dr. Aldona Lingertat (Director of the MAM program) and active volunteers in the region.

The program is sponsored by the Masters of Art in Ministry program at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization, St. John’s Seminary.

For more details see attached flyer

To register, please contact:
Maryellen Lenihan
maryellen.lenihan@sjs.edu
617-779-4104  www.sjs.edu

 

[Catholic1954]

I would love to attend, but, unfortunately I live on the Left Coast! Our prison ministry here is very difficult. The authorities just tolerate it and make us submit to the same background check as if you were applying to be a sherrif deputy or prison guard. Most people find that extemely intimidating and intrusive.

 

[Onedayatatime]

I would love to attend, but, unfortunately I live on the Left Coast! Our prison ministry here is very difficult. The authorities just tolerate it and make us submit to the same background check as if you were applying to be a sherrif deputy or prison guard. Most people find that extemely intimidating and intrusive.

I attended an orientation here in New England on Monday. We also have the background check and a somewhat negative presentation of all the things that can go wrong and explaination of the “rules”. These rules vary according to whether it’s a state, local or federal jail. Also the training and attitude of the guards is night and day from one institution to another.

My feeling is you have to look beyond this, and keep our eye on the ball. Doing the work that’s needed. In a way, having some obstacles in the way makes the work even more satisfying when you have a good result. I was in a drug rehab meeting last night with about 20 inmates where we we did a cost/benefit analysis of a “dealing drugs” versus “getting a legitimate job”. The content of their (name removed by moderator)ut was a huge reveal to many who hadn’t thought of the real differences of being another person as a result of changing lifestyle. This done in front of their peers.

Evenings like this make all the other stuff pale into the background, so I would encourage you to do this work if you feel called to it, and recognize that you will run into people that are dissolusioned, burnt out and in prison work just for a paycheck. You can take solace that you are making their life easier in the long run, by providing some peace and hope to those that need it.