Name

This national Catholic outreach among inmates and those affected by crime is named after one of the people executed with Jesus on Calvary. In that final hour Dismas took stock of his life and turned to Jesus for mercy: “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom” Luke 23:42. In the way that was typical of his ministry, Jesus turned to him and said: “This day you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43.

 

Logo

The cross of Christ and

the cross of the repentant

criminal are side by side.

 

 

Outreach

After the example of Jesus who was both convict and victim, Dismas Ministry continues the outreach of Jesus, serving those convicted of crime and the victims affected by it.  It strives for restorative justice, encouraging the spiritual transformation of inmates in the hope that this will have a positive effect on everyone affected by crime - offenders and victims, and the community.

Not everyone in the faith community is able to visit prisons directly, so Dismas Ministry goes there for them, supplying Catholic inmates with the free bibles and  faith materials they need to rebuild their lives on solid spiritual ground.

< Mission > | < Board of Directors >

Focus

Dismas Ministry focuses on a spiritual approach with inmates, supporting their relationship with God. As one of them wrote, “Prisoners need God and the love of Jesus and Mary as much or even more than the population as a whole.”

 

Inmates who discover a relationship with God are less likely to offend others when released.  For this reason, Dismas Ministry provides free of charge Catholic bibles, bible and faith study materials, as well as a Catholic prayer book created for inmates. 

 

Dismas Ministry also supports victims of crime by fostering awareness in the community of their presence, providing information about victims’ needs, praying with victims, providing links to victim resources, programs of support and encouragement from fellow victims.  In the end, however, victims must show us how best to serve them.

 

Goal

The goal of Dismas Ministry is to restore the relationship of the Body of Christ with victims and those in prison. Inmates also are members of Christ’s Body and should not be dismissed as worthless.  As one inmate said, “We are not animals.” Many use their time behind bars to reassess their lives, and with God’s help, make amends for victimizing others.  We can play a role in helping them find God in his Word and foster this change.

 

Crime offends victims and the rest of society also.  Supporting faith-based rehabilitation gives those who feel powerless against crime a way to do something positive.   This goes to the heart of the problem—the need for God in the lives of everyone affected by crime.  Many inmates have been abused.  In turn, victims suffer abuse from them. In the end, the only true healing is spiritual. Only God can transform suffering into victory as He did for Jesus.

What Can You Do?

· Pray for the inmates, the victims and loved ones, prison ministers and prison officials.

· Join Dismas Ministry’s Union of Prayer to pray for this ministry and be remembered in prayer, especially on the feast of St. Dismas, March 25.

· Learn about prison and victim issues:  reflect on the example of Jesus in the Gospels, read church statement on prison ministry, research the media, library and internet (check out the links).

· Become involved - visit or write local inmates; reach out to victims of crime in your midst.

· Support this ministry - your gift supports our work with inmates, victims, and the community.  Your donation may change someone’s life!

Donate

“I was in prison and you visited Me.” Matthew 25:36.
Not everyone is able to visit the imprisoned. Support the work of Dismas Ministry among inmates, victims, and their families by:

 

· Sending a financial donation to support the work of Dismas Ministry.

· Remembering this ministry in your will with a gift that continues to give in your name.

 

Your gift to Dismas Ministry, which is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization, is tax deductible.

Please make checks payable to:

Dismas Ministry
P.O. Box 070363
Milwaukee, WI 53207

 

 

About Dismas Ministry

DISMAS

M  I  N  I  S  T  R  Y

A Catholic Outreach to Inmates, Victims,

their Families, and the Community