Bishop's Appeal 2008

Reaching Out to the Imprisoned

By Deacon Bill Davis

For I was in prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25:36)

Is God calling you to prison ministry?

The Corporal Works of Mercy can't just be relegated to those who belong to the social justice committee or the Missionaries of Charity. Everyone, without exception, is called to the work of mercy.

Prison Ministry is probably the most overlooked of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. We would never hesitate to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, or bury the dead but some have a difficult time visiting the imprisoned. Is it because we are afraid of the prison atmosphere or have we become insensitive to the needs of the prisoner because we feel they are guilty and deserve what they get? Let's remember that the court has sentenced them according to the law of the land and they are paying their debt to society. They have already been judged; therefore it is time to start the healing process for victim and prisoner. We must remember that society is partly responsible for the disenfranchised. Do we care for those who "fall" through the cracks?

I have a dear friend who called me a couple of years ago seeking the location of a prisoner. This prisoner had killed her sister several years ago and she felt it was time to forgive this man. I found the inmate in the state of Mississippi where he is serving life. My friend started corresponding with the prisoner via mail. After a period of time she disclosed her identity and her reason for writing. She told the man that "he is forgiven". It took a lot of courage and prayer to look this man up and forgive him. If she can forgive this man for killing her sister the least we can do is visit him.

Parish volunteers help by on-site visits as well as coordinating the parish prison ministry, obtaining seasonal gifts, donating spiritual materials, and teaching literacy programs. I realize that not everyone is comfortable visiting a prison but there are several things you can do to support prison ministry without physically being there.

You shouldn't overlook the mode of visiting anonymously by prayer. You might ask God to send some special strength or comfort to the prisoners who feel most lost right at that moment, to a prisoner whose health or life is in danger, to a prisoner who has been unjustly sentenced or abandoned by his or her family.

Many prisoners are disowned and forgotten by their families but we as Christians are called by God to care for the prisoner. As the Bishop said in his Annual Appeal video "we do it because we are Catholic".

Prison Ministry is one of more than 60 ministries in the Diocese of Memphis assisted by funds generated by the Bishop's Appeal. Without the prayers and donations of the people of the diocese, we would not be able to serve so many.

Please consider becoming a part of prison ministry. We are always looking for volunteers to serve in the Diocese of Memphis. This is a very rewarding ministry and you can see the fruits of your labor. The incarcerated men and women of West Tennessee are eagerly awaiting a visit from you. Call Deacon Bill Davis at 901-373-4299 to volunteer or for additional information.

Call 901-373-1208 for more information about the Bishop's Appeal, or visit the diocesan website at www.cdom.org.