It is more blessed to give than to receive. Take 2.

We have all been blessed with talents and the free will with which to share them.  They are not meant to keep hidden for ourselves, but to distribute freely to those in need.  This, in a nutshell, is the spirit of the volunteer.  Not a sense of duty or obligation, or even "giving back to the community," but a realization that we are all part of a very large family - a "brotherhood of man" - and as such when one family member is in need, we are all in need; when one suffers, we all suffer.


Today volunteers can choose between a wide variety of causes and ministries; many of which can put to good use the time and talents we have to offer.  This process of choosing may not be quick or easy, but is certainly rewarding.

Here's a letter from one such volunteer, who recognized that God was calling her to use her musical talents to serve her brothers in prison.

Eight years ago I felt inspired to take a Prison Fellowship (weekend long) training class. Prison Fellowship was started by Chuck Colson (sent to prison after Watergate scandal). Colson was converted while in prison and wanted to help the men he left behind when he got released and it’s now an international program! My idea at the time was to lead bible study classes for inmates in prison.

How I got the idea of prison ministry, I’m not really sure. I had been joining my neighbor, an evangelical, in prayer once a week. Gradually, I kept coming back to the idea of prison ministry. I took the training and really enjoyed it, but, nothing came of it.

Five years later, a priest at my parish offhandedly mentioned it would be nice if he had some help with the music at a Mass he said once a week at a prison. Since I’m active in our church music program, he wondered if I or someone in the choir would want to help him. Immediately, I dismissed the idea for myself even though I had taken the prison training years earlier. I felt covetous of the already limited free time in my schedule.

A few days later, I mentioned the idea of volunteering to Fritz, a retired musician in our choir. He and I decided to do a “trial run”, i.e. try it out one Sunday only. We thought we’d make a good combo since I play piano and could accompany on a keyboard while he led the singing.

A few months later, there was a mandatory orientation evening given by the prison (the do’s and don’ts-mostly don’ts). There’s a lot about boundaries and protocol. We also filled out an extensive application in order to obtain clearance.

After volunteering just one Sunday, we were both “hooked”. It’s difficult to describe our enthusiasm for something that would appear to be a “downer” to an outsider.

Before I continue, I have to interject-this whole experience is God driven. I believe God led me to this experience and has allowed for the doors to be opened. Immediately, upon entering the prison, I felt at peace.

Lino Lakes is a medium-security, all male facility. Almost all inmates will be released and the average sentence is 6 years. Some of them transferred from Stillwater or another high security location after good behavior.

Out of 1300 or so inmates, about 25-30 men normally show up for Catholic Mass. They must sign up in advance and they can choose not to show up but they cannot show up without signing up ahead of time.

This is a good group of men. Most are troubled with one or more addictions and many come from an abusive past. What I’ve learned is that all of us come together for this hour to worship and pray and we become “one Body in Christ.” Mass is the great equalizer. I truly feel that in some ways, I’m not that different from the men at Lino. I have my own failings, disappointments and heartaches and feel the need for healing.

The prayers that are offered during the petitions are so heartfelt that they’ve brought tears to my eyes. The men pray for each other and their families as well as their victims. Since their only link to the outside world is the news-they often pray for conditions in the world that they’ve just heard or read about.

All of the men sing!!! Whether they can hold a tune or not, they all seem to participate in their own way. I’ve jokingly told them that they sound more convincing than my congregation at home. They DO “make a joyful noise onto the Lord!”

Since the men are so stripped of their individuality, I see them striving for just a little dignity and sense of self. I’ve seen men change over time. A man will sit begrudgingly with his arm’s crossed one week and a few weeks later be leading us in a reading.

These men form a community-not much different than my parish community. There is something alchemical that takes place when a group of people get together to pray. I know that I’ve changed since becoming involved in this ministry.

My hope is that all of these men will continue their faith journey when they’re released. I pray that they’ll find a community that will be open-minded and truly welcome them. There still remains discrimination in job placement and housing and most of these men have personal demons to conquer and hold at bay so they really need all the support they can get once they’re released.

Everyone needs a second chance at times. If we don’t give these men a fresh start they’ll be prone to fall back into whatever bad choices brought them to prison in the first place.

I’ve come to believe that one of the greatest things in life is turning a bad experience into something that can serve us. Personally, I think I get more out of the weekly visits than the men…all of us get something from each other.

The saying is true: It’s better to give than receive. Giving of my time and energy fulfills me like nothing else in the world. I thank God that I “fell into” this ministry. I believe the ministry FOUND me.

M.U.
Church of St. Mary

As the saying goes: Volunteers aren't paid - not because they are worthless, but because they're priceless.

We can all find a little of our time and talents to devote to society's most isolated brothers and sisters.  Please, consider volunteering for one of the prison ministries sponsored by this blog: Mary Mother of Captives Prison Pen Pal Ministry or St. Dismas Prison Ministry.  Thank you.