More than 30 women and men serving in jail and prison ministry in facilities around the Diocese, and those who are new to the ministry, had an opportunity to come together to pray, network, share ideas and learn about resources that are pertinent to their ministry during a Dec. 13 meeting in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville.
The day began with a Mass celebrated in the parish chapel by Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, a retired priest of the Diocese. The attendees also heard a presentation by Mary Ann Saville, diocesan coordinator of Jail and Prison Ministry, who shared about her own experience in prison ministry work. She also reviewed various logistics about the ministry including: the five stages of incarceration; safety guidelines, and basic rules of conduct. She also spoke on content that prison ministers can provide during their sessions with inmates whether they are Catholic, Christian or non-Christian. Suggestions included preparing for Bible studies, prayer, Mass and Communion services.
More on prison ministry work and folks serving in the ministry will be featured in the January issue of The Monitor Magazine.