Resources
Overview and Awareness
- State data: According to IN Department of Workforce Development, every year more than 20,000 inmates are released. It is reasonable to assume that about half that number are within the Archdiocese. The challenges they face are significant. Nearly 3/4 of employers are reluctant or simply refuse to hire ex-offenders, and when such individuals anre unemployed their chances of returning to prison are 60%. Add to that more than 70% of released are parents, and children of these parents are most likely to be in the lowest 5% of income earners and generally obtain less education than their parents.
For Distribution
- "Catholic Faith 10 Things We Want You to Know." Brochure for distribution available in Spanish and English through Archindy Office of Catechesis. Just call 1-800-382-9836 X1550 for free copies.
- For assistance with items for distribution, the Archdiocese has limited funds available to support parish corrections ministries. The form is available at:Funding Request Template .11.17
For Use with Bible Study Groups and RCIA
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church/The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
- The Symbolon Series from the Augustine Institute
- The Catholicism Series from Word on Fire
- Videos (see "Program Highlights" section of this website)
Papal encyclicals and exhortations that accentuate the dignity of the human person, the call for social justice, and the importance of family:
- Redemptor Hominis (John Paul II)
- Deus Caritas Est (Benedict XVI)
- Caritas In Veritate (Benedict XVI)
- Laudato Si (Francis)
- Amoris Laetitia (Francis)
Programs and organizations:
- American Correctional Chaplain’s Association http://www.correctionalchaplains.org/
- Bridges to Life: Brings healing to victims of crime, reduces recidivism and helps make the community a safer place. Currently works in conjunction with Plainfield Correctional Facility, IWP, and Heritage Trail. www.bridgestolife.org
- Churches Embracing Offenders: A successful re-entry program in Southern Indiana https://www.ceoevv.org/
- Dismas: A nonprofit transitional housing program for persons recently released from incarceration; includes housing, a caring community of volunteers, clinical support through local partners, case management, life skills development, and financial management support http://www.dismas.org/
- Getting Ahead While Getting Out: Workbook program for people being released from prison within next 18 months helps them learn new information and develop new ways of thinking. Volunteers must participate in the Bridges workshop and utilize the workbook and useer guides. Contact: Wendy Braun 317-372-7009
- Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry http://www.in.gov/dwd/2732.htm
- Lewis University Prison Ministry Training program developed for Catholic Conference of Illinois https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/theology/pdf/Prisonministry.pdf
- Kairos is a prison ministry with a mission to develop a Christian community on the inside of a prison. It begins with an intensive weekend experience. Kairos also offers support to the families of the incarcerated. kairosprisonministry.org
- Marion County Re-Entry Coalition: While focused on Marion County, this site serves as a valuable platform to share information and discuss re-entry topics. www.marioncountyre-entrycoalition.ning.com
- Trusted Mentors: Provides quality training for mentors supporting those in re-entry, and matches adults referred by partnering agencies with those trained mentors. Data indicate that 90% success rate with this faith-based program. www.trustedmentors.org
Diocesan resources on prison ministry:
- Archdiocese of Vancouver
- Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston
- Archdiocese of Baltimore
- Archdiocese of Atlanta