Prison Ministry

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Does anyone know of a Religious Order (of priests or deacons) that concentrates on prison ministry?

-- john placette (johnplacette@yahoo.com), September 05, 2001

Answers



-- (@ .), September 06, 2001.

Jmj

Hello, John.

Are you familiar with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word? They are a community of priests and brothers in Birmingham, Alabama, founded by Poor Clare abbess, Mother Mary Angelica (of Eternal Word Television Network fame).
Whenever someone needs advice about a religious/clerical vocation (which seminaries are good, which religious orders/congregations are orthodox, which ones have active/contemplative apostolates, etc.), the (male) Franciscan Missionaries and the (female) Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration down in Birmingham can provide the best guidance. You can write directly at vocations@ewtn.com, and you can visit the FMEW's Internet site at www.fmew.org.

Now, having said that, I can tell you that the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the congregation to which Cardinal Francis George (Archbishop of Chicago) belongs, carries on a prison ministry. You can read about it here. If you have become interested by reading that page, please try to get help from Cardinal George about where to go to enter the OMIs. The problem is that not all of their houses are good ones, I've read. Apparently, some of the OMIs have become involved in improper activities, while others are excellent (like the Cardinal himself).

Another order that seems to be involved in prison ministry is called the Claretians, but they should be avoided totally, because the order, in general, is no longer faithful to the Magisterium.

A priest has written a book about prison ministry, called "Inside the Fences." I have not seen it, so I cannot vouch for its accuracy or orthodoxy. But in case you want to consider it, click here.

You may be able to find other helpful information at this site for links about prison chaplains. It may take a good bit of time to load, so please be patient.

St. James, pray for us.
God bless you.
John


-- (jgecik@amdg.ihs), September 06, 2001.


John, As always, thank your for your help.

I tried to send you a message directly but was not able. I get an error message that it is undeliverable to your email. Would you send me a message directly to johnplacette@yahoo.com or jplacette@catholic.org and I will try to respond and send you my personal message to you. Thanks again and God Bless.

-- john placette (johnplacette@yahoo.com), September 07, 2001.


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