Prison Ministry
Contact: Bob Dowd
Some people ask, " What is prison ministry?" Unless you actually visit a prison, it's hard to grasp the "end-of-the-line" experience that awaits you. Prisoners are the property of the State. They are referred to by number, stripped of their humanity in the worst setting, and treated like refuse.
Ministering to those in prison is not for everyone. We have to recall St. Matthew's chapter 25. The Lord said at the Final judgment, "I was in prison and you visited me."
At present, the Prison Ministry at Saint Joseph's visits Perry Correctional Institution in Pelzer, S.C. It is a high security men's prison which houses approximately 1,000 men. We have been going to Perry for about three years. Father Gene Leonard says Mass every Thursday, and we teach a religion class on Fridays. Father Cap, Our Lady of the Rosary, comes in once a month to hear confessions. When we started we had only one Catholic man. We now have 15. Six months ago six men came into the Church receiving Baptism, Confirmation and their First Communion. We have two more men who will be received into the Church at Christmas.
We presently have two members of our parish who are involved in Prison Ministry, myself and Krystal Kennedy. Our ministry is nothing more than to reach souls with Christ's promise of salvation. Our message is simple. You are a human being, a child of God. You are not a bad person, but someone who has done a bad thing. Not everyone responds at first, but with each visit we are amazed at how many inmates share and how they look forward to seeing us.
In my 14 years in Prison Ministry, I have witnessed men who have completely turned their lives around.They have taken Jesus into their hearts and have returned to their families and friends. I still hear from them.
There is a great need to reach men and women who are incarcerated. If the Lord speaks to you about Prison Ministry and you want to know more, please contact us.
Bob Dowd
864-231-0703
e-mail bd24628@yahoo.com