Prison Ministry Manual
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION 3
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION 4
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING AND PRISON MINISTRY ____ 56
GETTING STARED 7
CHAPLAIN CONTACTS 810
RULES FOR VOLUNTEERS 11
REENTRY RESOURCES 12
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to equip pastors and parishioners to effectively minister to the imprisoned.
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Volunteer Job Description
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond Prison Ministry, Office of Justice and Peace, invites you to respond to the Gospel call to “Love one another as I have loved you.” There are over 150 facilities (jails and prisons) within our diocese. The juveniles, women and men incarcerated in these facilities have need of this ministry of presence.
Volunteers serve as companions to offenders, victims, and affected communities. These incarcerated youth, women and men will come back into our communities upon their release. The preparation for release begins while they are still incarcerated, enabling them to learn how to live as peaceful and productive members of society again. Our volunteers are invaluable, providing a loving and committed presence in increasingly multicultural and interfaith settings.
Together, we discover the greater depths of God and are lovingly transformed in the process. We invite you to join us in this life giving ministry!
Accountability Volunteers are guests of the correctional facilities. They are accountable to the prison/jail administration and chaplain, to their parish staff—pastor/Prison Ministry Coordinator, and to the Diocesan Prison ministry Coordinator. They are governed by the institutional rules and regulations.
Qualifications An ability to see God in all those they encounter A willingness to follow the rules of each facility An awareness of their own gifts and limitations
Responsibilities May Include Liturgical Presiding Eucharistic Ministry Music Ministry Sacramental preparation Small group facilitation Scripture Reflection Bible Study One-on-one visitation or letter writing Legislative Advocacy Victim support Prayer Ministry Parish and Community Outreach Transitional support (clothing, housing needs, job development) Coaching/Mentoring in the re-entry process
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Prison Ministry and Catholic Social Teaching
Human Life and Dignity: The fundamental starting point for all of Catholic social teaching is the defense of human life and dignity: every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and has an inviolable dignity, value, and worth, regardless of race, gender, class, or other human characteristics. Therefore, both the most wounded victim and the most callous criminal retain their humanity. All are created in the image of God and possess a dignity, value, and worth that must be recognized, promoted, safeguarded, and defended. For this reason, any system of penal justice must provide those necessities that enable inmates to live in dignity: food, clothing, shelter, personal safety, timely medical care, education, and meaningful work adequate to the conditions of human dignity.30
Human dignity is not something we earn by our good behavior; it is something we have as children of God. We believe that because we are all created by God, "none of us is the sum total of the worst act we have ever committed. . . . As a people of faith, we believe that grace can transform even the most hardened and cruel human beings."31
Victims, too, must have the help of the faith community in recovering their dignity. To be excluded from the proceedings against their offenders, to be ignored by friends and family, or to be neglected by the community of faith because their deep pain is unsettling only serves to further isolate victims and denies their dignity. All of us are called to stand with victims in their hurt and in their search for healing and genuine justice. This includes, of course, the children of the incarcerated, who themselves are seriously harmed by their parents' misdeeds.
Human Rights and Responsibilities: Our tradition insists that every person has both rights and responsibilities. We have the right to life and to those things that make life human: faith and family, food and shelter, housing and health care, education and safety. We also have responsibilities to ourselves, to our families, and to the broader community.
Crime and corrections are at the intersection of rights and responsibilities. Those who commit crimes violate the rights of others and disregard their responsibilities. But the test for the rest of us is whether we will exercise our responsibility to hold the offender accountable without violating his or her basic rights. Even offenders should be treated with respect for their rights.
Family, Community, and Participation: We believe the human person is social. Our dignity, rights, and responsibilities are lived out in relationship with others, and primary among these is the family. The disintegration of family life and community has been a major contributor to crime. Supporting and rebuilding family ties should be central to efforts to prevent and respond to crime. Placing prisons in remote areas diminishes contacts with close relatives and undermines the family connections that could aid in restoration, especially for young offenders.
Likewise, maintaining community and family connections can help offenders understand the harm they've done and prepare them for reintegration into society. Isolation may be necessary in some rare cases; but while cutting off family contact can make incarceration easier for those in charge, it can make reintegration harder for those in custody.
The principle of participation is especially important for victims of crime. Sometimes victims are "used" by the criminal justice system or political interests. As the prosecution builds a case, the victim's hurt and loss can be seen as a tool to obtain convictions and tough sentences. But the victim's need to be heard and to be healed are not really addressed.
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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The Common Good: The social dimension of our teaching leads us to the common good and its relationship to punishment. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, punishment by civil authorities for criminal activity should serve three principal purposes: (1) the preservation and protection of the common good of society, (2) the restoration of public order, and (3) the restoration or conversion of the offender.32
The concept of "redress," or repair of the harm done to the victims and to society by the criminal activity, is also important to restoring the common good. This often neglected dimension of punishment allows victims to move from a place of pain and anger to one of healing and resolution. In our tradition, restoring the balance of rights through restitution is an important element of justice.
The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: This principle of Catholic social teaching recognizes that every public policy must be assessed by how it will affect the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society. Sometimes people who lack adequate resources from early in life (i.e., children—especially those who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused—the mentally ill, and people who have suffered discrimination) turn to lives of crime in desperation or out of anger or confusion. Unaddressed needs—including proper nutrition, shelter, health care, and protection from abuse and neglect—can be steppingstones on a path towards crime. Our role as Church is to continually work to address these needs through pastoral care, charity, and advocacy.
Subsidiarity and Solidarity: These two related principles recognize that human dignity and human rights are fostered in community. Subsidiarity calls for problem-solving initially at the community level: family, neighborhood, city, and state. It is only when problems become too large or the common good is clearly threatened that larger institutions are required to help. This principle encourages communities to be more involved. Criminal activity is largely a local issue and, to the extent possible, should have local solutions. Neighborhood-watch groups, community-oriented policing, school liaison officers, neighborhood treatment centers, and local support for ex-offenders all can be part of confronting crime and fear of crime in local communities.
Solidarity recognizes that "we are all really responsible for all."33 Not only are we responsible for the safety and well-being of our family and our next-door neighbor, but Christian solidarity demands that we work for justice beyond our boundaries. Christians are asked to see Jesus in the face of everyone, including both victims and offenders. Through the lens of solidarity, those who commit crimes and are hurt by crime are not issues or problems; they are sisters and brothers, members of one human family. Solidarity calls us to insist on responsibility and seek alternatives that do not simply punish, but rehabilitate, heal, and restore.
[Source: USCCB]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Getting Started
1. Contact the Chaplain at the facility you would like to visit. The Chaplain will likely coordinate the entire volunteer approval process.
2. Requirements to become a volunteer vary depending on the facility but may include the following: • a criminal background check which will necessitate your going to the local police or sheriff’s office for fingerprinting • a written statement of why you want to be a volunteer • a statement from your pastor that you are a member of the church in good standing • completion of application form
3. The volunteer approval process can take anywhere from 3 months to 6 months.
This can be a lengthy, and sometimes frustrating, process. It mostly depends on the facility at which you are attempting to volunteer. One key to expediting the approval process is consistent and respectful communication with the Chaplain. In many facilities the chain of command is highly regarded, so be sure to always address any issue with your established contact first. If after a reasonable amount if time results are lacking, express your concerns to your contact, and kindly ask them who you should be speaking with instead.
Contact Justin Reilly at any time with questions or concerns
Justin Reilly Catholic Diocese of Richmond Office of Justice and Peace 276‐337‐9302 [email protected]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Chaplain Contacts Central Region
Tommy Armstrong Robert G. Ball Dillwyn Correctional Center Baskerville Correctional Center & Central Region Mecklenburg Correctional Center (434) 983-4200 ext.4859 Central Region thomas.armstrong@vadoc.virginia.gov (434) 447-3857 ext.3255 (434) 738-6114 ext.241 [email protected]
William L. Bell Janice R. Broadie Lunenburg Correctional Center Central Virginia Correctional Unit#13 Central Region Central Region (434) 696-2045 ext.2220 (804) 796-4277 ext.5108 [email protected] [email protected]
Robby W. Burke David L. Cheyne Coffewood Correctional Center Deep Meadow Correctional Center Central Region Central Region (540) 829-6483 ext.6083 (804)598-5503 [email protected] [email protected]
Bernie Morris Julie Perry Powhatan Correctional Center Fluvanna Correctional Center Central Region for Women (804)598-4251 ext.4135 Central Region [email protected] (434)984-3700 ext.4079 [email protected]
Karen O. Powell Vera Rhyne Va. Correctional Center for Women James River Work Center & Central Region Deep Meadow Correctional Center (804) 784-3582 ext. 3678 Central Region [email protected] (804) 784-3551 (804) 598-5503 [email protected]
Michael A. Rowland Donald Stine Nottoway Correctional Center Buckingham Correctional Center Central Region Central Region (434) 767-5543 ext. 5283 (434) 391-5980 [email protected] [email protected]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Eastern Region
Daniel W. Andersen Paul A. Beighley III Greenville Correctional Center Greensville Correctional Center Eastern Region Eastern Region (434) 535-7000 ext.6264 (434) 535-7000 ext.6690 [email protected] [email protected]
Louis A. Collins III Calvin R. Corbitt Greensville Correctional Center Indian Creek Correctional Center Eastern Region Eastern Region (434) 535-7000 ext.6464 (757) 421-0095 ext.2260 [email protected] [email protected]
Willie Derr I W. Eric Jackson Lawrenceville Correctional Center Sussex I State Prison Eastern Region Eastern Region (434) 848-9349 ext.2241 (804)834-9967 ext.4333 [email protected] [email protected]
William Moore III Michael R. Reed Sussex II State Prison Haynesville Correctional Center Eastern Region Eastern Region (804)834-2678 ext.6333 (804) 333-3577 ext. 1723 [email protected] [email protected]
Lynn G. Robinson Claudette Rodney Deerfield Correctional Center Deerfield Men's Work Center & Eastern Region Deerfield Women's Work Center (434) 658-4368 ext. 3106 Eastern Region (434) 535-7000 ext. 6212 [email protected] [email protected]
William B. "Bill" Twine Supervising Chaplain St. Brides Correctional Center Eastern Region (757) 421-6600 ext. 2649 [email protected]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Western Region
Clifton Cauthorne Roy McGee Red Onion State Prison Bland Correctional Center Western Region Western Region (276)796-7510 ext.2038 (276) 688-3341 ext.5075 [email protected] [email protected]
Calvin G. Dixon Paul Griffith Green Rock Correctional Center Marion Correctional Treatment Ctr. Western Region Western Region (434)797-2000 ext.4757 (276)783-7154 ext.39496 [email protected] [email protected]
James E. Mitchell Jr. Kevin S. Richardson Wallens Ridge State Prison & Pocahontas State Correctional Ctr. Red Onion State Prison Western Region Western Region (276) 945-9173 ext.6399 (276)523-3310 ext. 2046 [email protected] (276)796-7510 ext.2038 [email protected]
Thomas S. Simmons Rod Wicker Augusta Correctional Center Keen Mountain Correctional Center Western Region Western Region (540) 997-7000 ext. 7248 (276) 498-7411 ext. 2009 [email protected] [email protected]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Prison Ministry Rules for Volunteers
1. Learn the rules and obey the rules. 2. Do not smuggle any article (to include religious) in or out the facility. 3. Unless approved by the Chaplain, you must bring all items through the Chaplain. 4. Never accept anything from an inmate. 5. Do not get involved with an inmate’s personal or legal matters. 6. If you find an inmate is concerned about the welfare of his or her family, refer the individual to speak with the Chaplain. 7. Do not pass any message for inmates to other inmates or to people outside the facility. 8. Do not mail books or other items to inmates. 9. Do not give inmates financial assistance at the facility where you minister. 10. Volunteers will not be under the influence of un-prescribed drugs or alcohol while performing volunteer duties in the ministry. Volunteers will not bring drugs, weapons or alcohol beverages into an institution. This includes such items as pocketknives, nail files, cell phones or other similar items. 11. Do not give inmate any items such as gifts or money. Nor accept gifts or money. 12. In the event of a disagreement or problem between a volunteer an inmate, the volunteer should notify the Chaplain, If the event is serious, notify a corrections officer immediately. 13. Do not share your personal business with offenders or discuss personal information. 14. Do not play favorites; be fair and consistent in your relationships and interactions with inmates. Do not take sides. 15. Keep commitments. In the event that a meeting or session has to be canceled, notify the chaplain in advance. Expectations are developed by inmates and maintained by you. 16. Volunteers should dress appropriately when conducting ministry. Tight clothing or revealing apparel is not appropriate. Use common sense. 17. Some types of physical contact (hugging etc.) are often misunderstood. Extreme caution should be taken in this area. 18. Always wear your volunteer ID tag or institutional visitors tag. 19. Do not take letters or other items out of an institution for a confined offender. Do not bring letters or any others items into an institution and give directly to the offender. 20. Volunteers may not be on any inmates visiting list at a facility where they volunteer. Notify the chaplain if this is an issue for direction eg. Relative 21. Male volunteers may only minister to male inmates. Female volunteers may only minister to female inmates. 22. Do not agree to make business or personal transactions on the street for inmates. 23. Maintain any confidential information about an inmate to yourself. Do not take personal information regarding an offender outside the facility under any circumstances. 24. While ministering inside the facility as a volunteer, you may not visit with family members, church members or anyone with whom you have a relationship. Notify the Chaplain if you discover that someone you know is incarcerated at the facility. Seek the Chaplain’s direction. 26. As a volunteer you will not be a character witness for a inmate or write the parole board in behalf of the individual. If you do for one you will have to do for all 27. When in doubt, do not commit. Notify the Chaplain for direction 28. Do not have any one accompany you to the facility who is not authorized to enter. Though they will not be allowed entrance, there could be a case of an unauthorized entry. 29. Under no circumstances will wine be offered to inmates during Church Services. Only the priest is allowed to consume the wine. 30. Do not give inmates any personal phone numbers or address or personal information on yourself or another volunteer.
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011
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Reentry Resources
10,000 to 12,000 people are released from Virginia's correctional facilities and returned to communities each year. An even greater number reenter communities from local jails and federal correctional centers. The process of leaving prison and returning to society has become a significant challenge to the state and the nation. Persons released often have few resources and difficulty finding jobs, housing or help. National studies show that approximately two‐thirds will be arrested again within three years of release. [Source: VDSS]
Assisting Families of Inmates Boaz and Ruth, Inc. 1 North 5th Street 3030 Meadowbridge Road Suite 400 P. O. Box 6129 Richmond, Virginia 23219 Richmond, Virginia 23222 (804) 643-2401 Phone: 804 329-4900 (804) 643-2464 FAX [email protected] [email protected]
Virginia C.U.R.E. OAR of Richmond P.O. Box 2310, One North Third Street, Suite 200 Vienna Virginia 22183 Richmond, Virginia 23219 Phone: 703-272-3624 phone: (804) 643-2746 fax: (804) 643-1187 [email protected] OAR of Fairfax County Virginia CARES, Inc. 10640 Page Avenue 108 Henry St. NW Suite 250 Third Floor Fairfax, VA 22030 Roanoke VA 24016 Phone: 703-246-3033 Phone: 540-342-9344 Fax: 540-342-9427 [email protected] Onesimus Ministries of Norfolk Inc. P.O. Box 12241 Norfolk, Va. 23541 (757)421-2553 [email protected]
Prison Ministry │ Office of Justice and Peace │ Catholic Diocese of Richmond │ September, 2011