Epiphany Catholic Prison Ministry in Columbia Correctional Institution has helped over 10,000 inmates restore their faith. CCI houses some of Florida’s most violent offenders. Theirs is a constant struggle of survival where murders, gang attacks, drug overdoses, and deafening noises plague daily life. It is also a place where clergy from the Diocese of St. Augustine visit three times a week.

One of Prison Ministry’s Practical Applications

Sacraments of Initiation are often performed by Bishop Emeritus Felipe Estevez. Records are kept of Communions, Baptisms, First Holy Eucharists, and Confirmations. Once the newly released are deemed able to rejoin society, they can join a Catholic parish on the outside immediately. This is an integral part of prison ministry. The formerly incarcerated may receive the opportunity to obtain access to spiritual and religious support once they are released.

None of this comes easy for either the incarcerated or for those who minister to them. Not only must every inmate overcome his past and make peace with it, the Florida Department of Corrections must approve all ECPM activity, even services during Lenten and Advent. The Eucharist is offered on Christmas for men who never receive visits – but only when first permitted. Even though prisoners in the U.S. have a constitutional right to their religion, there are many forces from gang-controlled territories in the prison to tight security measures that must first also be overcome.

Are you Catholic?

Every prisoner who first enters the parish in the prison annex must be specific about which of the seven sacraments they have received. Reminding them that Jesus and St. Peter were incarcerated, they must sign in if they decide that they wish to become Catholic – again or for the first time. This will require dedication and education. Together, with the help of ECPM’s founder, Mary Tucker, AUX, chaplain Casey Trigg and others, they begin again by attending weekly mass.

Mary also works with Andy Vissicchio, KM in the Southeast Florida area. Recently Nina Wolff, DM together with the Order’s support, 75 inmates in ECPM accomplished the goal of praying 1,000 Rosaries. No small accomplishment – rosaries were provided along with booklets on how to pray the rosary.

ECPM is also dynamic ministry. It provides the opportunities for individuals to hear the Word of God, receive the Holy Eucharist and rejoin the Catholic faith at all levels. Tucker and her fellow volunteers created a curriculum where homework is required. She also knows how tomake religious education fun – Epiphany Bingo players team up on Tuesdays!

Part I of II. Please click here to contact Mary Jo Kriz, co-chair of the American Association Prison Ministry Committee. Click here for more information regarding Prison Ministry.

Article written by PMC volunteer, Alexandra Lehmann