St. John’s is starting a Prison Ministry group led by long-time parishioner, Julie Songer. As an opportunity to learn what a prison and prison ministry is about, Julie is hosting a group to attend Mass at the Chapel at MCI Framingham, the state’s only women’s prison. Many of the women are incarcerated for short periods as a result of mental illness or addictive behavior. They are mothers, sisters and community members who have made some bad decisions. They very much appreciate any indication of support or validation from “the outside” when they are locked-up in prison and told they do not matter.
Have you ever been touched by Matthew 15:36?
I was in prison and you came to visit me?
Would you be interested in another way to show your belief that all life is sacred?
Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. (Catholic Catechism)
Could this be a way to put your faith into action and support Catholic social justice teachings?
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)
Come and See….with a group of St. John’s parishioners who will attend Mass at the chapel at MCI Framingham on Sunday evening, November 17, 2013. We will arrive at MCI Framingham at 5:45pm to clear security and go to the chapel for Mass. Please call or email Julie Songer by October 27, 2013 if you would like to join the group. For security clearance purposes, you need to respond by October 27th to Julie with your: 1) name (as it appears on your MA driver’s license), 2) MA driver’s license #; and, 3) date of birth. Julie’s contact information is: jmsonger4@yahoo.com; 617-817-6628.
