St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

PRISON MINISTRY

We can respond to God’s command to visit the prisoner by getting involved in Prison Ministry. Angels Among Us is active with the Residence Encounter Christ (REC) program offered throughout the four New York State Department of Corrections facilities in Oneida County. Residents Encounter Christ is a Christian Ministry to prisoners that is a variation of the Cursillo movement modified for the prison environment.Each of the four local correctional facilities hold a REC Weekend once each year.

Toni Belmont, the local coordinator for REC, has been offering retreats to prisoners for many years. A trained team of adults bring the gospel message of Christ to the prisoners, helping them to establish or strengthen their relationship with Christ.

The first step for those interested in getting involved in this ministry is to attend a training session offered through the Volunteer Services Office of the New York State Department of Correctional Services. The next step is attending one of the Hootenannies at one of the REC weekends. The retreats run from Friday through Sunday, with the Hootenanny occurring on Saturday evening. After attending a few hootenannies, you can decide to join the REC team to support the entire weekend. The REC’s give the prisoners an opportunity to see that there are people in the community who are willing to support them in their walk with Christ.

There are a variety of ways to help with this ministry. First, by praying for the prisoners. Prayers are requested for successful REC weekends and for the prisoners throughout the year. Your help is also needed to defray the cost of the weekend through the purchase of various supplies or making a monetary donation.

There are also many other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. You may volunteer where needed or bring your talents to help fulfill another need in the prison.

Comments from volunteers:
“The prisoners confront the truth about themselves, what they’ve done and where they’ve been and willingly share it.” “The prisoners are so appreciative of the volunteers. They really make you feel so special. The prisoners actually minister to the volunteers.”

Join in this effort, call today to help. Contact Joe Fariello, 724-8985.

	PRISON MINISTRY We can respond to God’s command to visit the prisoner by getting involved in Prison Ministry. Angels Among Us is active with the Residence Encounter Christ (REC) program offered throughout the four New York State Department of Corrections facilities in Oneida County. Residents Encounter Christ is a Christian Ministry to prisoners that is a variation of the Cursillo movement modified for the prison environment.Each of the four local correctional facilities hold a REC Weekend once each year. Toni Belmont, the local coordinator for REC, has been offering retreats to prisoners for many years. A trained team of adults bring the gospel message of Christ to the prisoners, helping them to establish or strengthen their relationship with Christ. The first step for those interested in getting involved in this ministry is to attend a training session offered through the Volunteer Services Office of the New York State Department of Correctional Services. The next step is attending one of the Hootenannies at one of the REC weekends. The retreats run from Friday through Sunday, with the Hootenanny occurring on Saturday evening. After attending a few hootenannies, you can decide to join the REC team to support the entire weekend. The REC’s give the prisoners an opportunity to see that there are people in the community who are willing to support them in their walk with Christ. There are a variety of ways to help with this ministry. First, by praying for the prisoners. Prayers are requested for successful REC weekends and for the prisoners throughout the year. Your help is also needed to defray the cost of the weekend through the purchase of various supplies or making a monetary donation. There are also many other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. You may volunteer where needed or bring your talents to help fulfill another need in the prison. Comments from volunteers: “The prisoners confront the truth about themselves, what they’ve done and where they’ve been and willingly share it.” “The prisoners are so appreciative of the volunteers. They really make you feel so special. The prisoners actually minister to the volunteers.” Join in this effort, call today to help. Contact Joe Fariello, 724-8985.	Welcome Religious Education Mass Schedule Directory Parish Life History of Our Parish The Sunday Bulletin Map to our Parish Social Ministry Faithful Links Parish Council Forms The New Stations of the Cross Contact Us
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