Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr confirms prisoners at Dayton Correctional Institute.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Prison Ministry SUPPORTED BY THE CMA
BY EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU
ARCHDIOCESAN PRISON MINISTRY
There was a time in Kathy’s Bendall’s life when she questioned not only her faith, but her very worth. She credits Catholic prison ministry with helping to restore both. Raised Catholic, Bendall’s faith was challenged as a child amid family issues of alcoholism and constant arguments. “I watched my mother pretend that everything was perfect in our house, and I thought ‘this is all a lie, this is not real,’” she said. “I thought God couldn’t be real, and if He was, then this wouldn’t be happening to me.” Bendall was ultimately sentenced to two prison terms: 18 months for theft and forgery, then 30 months for possession and trafficking cocaine. Despondent to the point of believing she didn’t deserve to live, she walked into Dayton Correctional Institution’s prison chapel one day and locked eyes with a Sister who smiled at her with love and encouragement. “I realized then that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, that 30 months in prison was the best thing that ever 3 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
happened to me,” she said. “It brought me to Christ in a way that I had never experienced before. I realized I can pray to Him and know that He’s always with me, that I’m good enough because of Him.” “The experience of being in prison brought me back to the faith I was raised in,” Bendall added. “It also brought me back to my husband and my son. We are a true union in the Body of Christ and are blessed beyond measure.” “I am always impressed by the faith of the individuals I meet when visiting prisons,” said Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr. “The prison ministry program ministers to incarcerated men and women who respond to God’s invitation to follow Him and to join the Catholic Church. For incarcerated individuals who follow the same routines each day, the opportunities for fellowship, prayer and celebration offered by the prison ministry program, are a unique sign of their dignity and a reminder of God’s love for them. I am especially grateful to those who donate to the Catholic Ministry Appeal, which directly supports this important work and makes this ministry possible.”
