 |
|
When Jesus was dying on the cross, one of the thieves being executed with him named Dismas — often called the good thief — turned to Jesus for mercy and asked, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
Jesus turned to him and said, “This day you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Dismas Ministry
We have a national Catholic outreach among prisoners and those affected by crime named Dismas Ministry, which is headquartered in Milwaukee. Their logo represents the cross of Christ and the cross of the repentant criminal side of side.Dismas MinistryJesus turned to him and said, “This day you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). When Jesus was dying on the cross, one of the thieves being executed with him named Dismas — often called the good thief — turned to Jesus for mercy and asked, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
Dismas Ministry focuses primarily on the spiritual approach with prisoners who want to understand and strengthen their relationship with God. As one wrote, “Prisoners need God and the love of Jesus and Mary as much or even more than the population as a whole.” Dismas Ministry provides faith study materials, prayer books for prisoners, and free Catholic Bibles.
Bringing Christ to jails and prisons
This week’s Catholic Herald includes information on how the Dane County Jail Apostolate is bringing the love of Christ to inmates at the jail. It is just one of the ways that people in the diocese are reaching out to people incarcerated at the 16 jail and prison facilities in our diocese.
Priests and lay volunteers serving at the Dane County Jail say that while they share their faith with the inmates, their own faith is strengthened by their involvement.
I would encourage members of Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Madison to consider being involved in the jail or prison apostolates. Your local pastor should have information on how you can help.
Not everyone is able to visit the imprisoned, but you can improve the lives of prisoners and strengthen their relationship with God by supporting the work of Dismas Ministry. Your gift continues to serve prisoners, victims, and their families.
Go to www.dismasministry.org for information on making a financial donation or remembering this ministry in your will. Also consider matching gifts from your employer.