‘Lives are Changed:’
Prison Ministry Sunday a good idea any time
A resolution adopted by the Diocesan Convention last year urged parishes to hold a prison ministry Sunday during Epiphany, and many did. But any Sunday is appropriate for Prison Ministry Sunday, said the Rev. Canon Petero Sabune, chaplain at the once notorious Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Diocese of New York.
“These people – the least of his – walk
in darkness,” said the Rev. Canon Petero Sabune. “He is the
light, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Said Bishop Robert W. Ihloff of Maryland, "One of the specific admonitions made by Jesus to his followers was to visit prisoners! (Matthew 25:36 & 43).
“Prison ministry is an essential ministry of the Church and by its very nature celebrates God's love and forgiveness even to those who are often shunned and rejected in society. Through it men and women in our prisons are brought face-to-face with a loving God, are acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, and are given the sacraments of the Church. Lives are changed, and because all ministry is ‘a two way street,’ prison visitors find their lives enhanced and that they receive much from the prisoners they care for even as they are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them.”
Special Prayers of the People written by the Rev. Phebe L. McPherson, were sent to each church for possible use in the form of a bulletin insert. Also, a list of contact numbers for prisons and detention centers and prison ministries went out in clergy mailings for bulletins.
Members of the congregation involved in prison ministry may be able to share their experiences. Members of the Amazing Grace Camp committee or the Prison Ministry Task Force should be available to their home parishes.
There are many ministries outside prison walls, and others that serve as prevention, like Christ Church Link in Columbia. Reentry – a ministry to help ex-offenders back into the community is most urgent. Those who advocate legislation for reentry money, for better prison conditions, or for less expensive telephone rates on calls to families are also ministering to "the least of these."
RESOLVED, that the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland will encourage all parishes to celebrate and hold a Prison Ministry Sunday each year during the season of Epiphany; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland will encourage parishes to seek out and structure partnerships with people in prison and their families and those that minister to those in prison, and help ex-offenders return to society in productive ways by working with re-entry programs …”
“Prison Ministry is hard work, but it is transformational,” said
the Rev. Jackie Means, retired director of prison ministry for the Episcopal
Church. “It also transforms us to reach out – however we
do it.”
“Whether a 4th grade child makes a Baptismal card for a prisoner, or whether you meet him face to face,” said Canon Sabune, “now you've become my brother, my sister.”
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