What is the purpose of this Network’s ministry? Lead inmates and their family members to Christ and/or strengthen their faith and to show the love of Christ to this population by ministry of the word and by responding to the needs resulting from the incarceration of a family member; 2) assist offenders transition successfully into civil society; 3)similarly serve victims of crime spiritually and physically, assisting the healing process; and, 4) minister to and publicly recognize the service of correctional and law enforcement officers.

What is the structure of this Network? The network is basically a committee of lay and clergy, male and female, nominated by the bishop’s the 12 Dioceses of Province VII. The network chair calls the committee together annually and communicates by email and phone between meetings to gather information and stimulate initiatives within the dioceses.

What are some of the highlights of the past few months? Most effort of the July through September period has been devoted to assembling a working network group. A sufficient number of bishops have responded with appointments to commence planning.

What are some of the goals for the next few months? To focus upon the creation of summer camps for children of incarcerated persons and devise ways to keep incarcerated fathers and mothers connected with their children during incarceration.

Are there ways the province can help you with these goals? The Province can encourage each diocese establish “coordinators of restorative justice” to encourage the church minister to the largest mission field in the United States-prisoners and their families, victims and law enforcement officers. More specifically, the church can mightily assist by volunteering to serve as facilitators for prison programs, mentoring children of inmates, becoming volunteer chaplains to correctional and law enforcement agencies, sponsoring children for camp, and working with prosecutors to assist victims of crime.