Prison ministry

“The Church has two overriding consideration in her special concern for prisoners. The first is based on the attitude of the Lord towards those who have strayed from the right path. He sought them out and aided them, reconciling them with his Father. Secondly, Jesus underlined assistance to prisoners as one of the works of love that is a mark of discipleship: ‘I was… in prison and you visited me… whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (PCP II, 235)

At the heart of this special concern of the Church is her being a synodal Church, a Church that journeys with everyone, especially those at the periphery. In this time of lockdowns with health protocols where face-to-face encounter with our brethren in prison is so difficult if not impossible, we can offer our spirit of journeying with them as we continue to offer prayers and share our material blessings for their need. We can also refrain from being judgmental and become compassionate instead to those who have erred. We can continue to support programs of the Church and of the government in order to show our care and concern for our brothers and sisters who are in prison.