2 minute read
JAIL MINISTRY: Ensuring the Good News is Truly Shared With All
As Christians, we are called to spread the Good News to all, even in places where people seem to be forgotten, such as jails and correctional facilities. We might not immediately think about sharing our faith with our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated. Yet, a committed group at St. Leo’s takes the time to visit men and women incarcerated in the Hall County Correctional Facility and provide a Bible study. St. Leo’s volunteers work with St. Mary’s volunteers to offer three groups — a women’s group, and men’s groups for English- and Spanish-language speakers.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to this work. Still, volunteers hope they can get started again soon.
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Richard Hoffman helped get the Englishlanguage men’s group started about three years prior to the pandemic and serves as co-leader along with William Kusek. The women’s and Spanish-language groups had been going on for several years.
“The goal is to give some hope to those who come,” Richard says. “We want to show them that someone in the world cares for them.”
The time is usually spent in group discussion, often related to the Sunday readings. The goal is to stimulate discussion among those who attend.
“Often, in the men’s group, we could get them talking,” Richard says. “Many of them are remorseful for what they’ve done. It’s nice to give them some contact with the outside world.”
While Richard can’t necessarily quantify the impact that this ministry has had, he knows that it’s important work for him to do, as a Christian.
“Doing this work is the message from Jesus Christ, but some people get easily forgotten,” Richard says. “Jail is a primary place where the people are often forgotten.”
Richard’s interest in this ministry was piqued because his wife, Marilyn, would come home from ministering to the women’s group with such excitement. In turn, Richard felt he was being called to get involved. He admits this ministry has taken him outside of his comfort zone, but he’s never felt scared for his safety while at the facility.
“You just do the Lord’s work and hope you are having an impact,” he says.
Richard takes his example from Pope Francis, who is known to visit jails and prisons.
“If the Pope can do this, I can too,” he says.
(From left) Ministry leaders William Kusek, Chris Wissing and Richard Hoffmann. Chris leads the women’s prison ministry; William and Richard co-lead the men’s prison ministry for English-speaking prisoners.
