DISMAS

M  I  N  I  S  T  R  Y

Volunteering

Volunteering with Dismas Ministry

 

• Dismas Ministry's provides initial assistance in connecting people with opportunities for service. This is offered out of reverence for the work of the Spirit who dispenses a variety of gifts to build up the body of Christ on both sides of prison walls. 

 

• If there is a desire on the part of prospective volunteers to be more closely associated with the spirit and mission of Dismas Ministry, an invitation to join its volunteer ministry is extended to them.

 

• The mission statement of Dismas Ministry provides a spiritual framework in which to understand and carry out prison outreach. This framework is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the social teachings of the Catholic church.

 

• Dismas Ministry serves as a spiritual mentor as volunteers carry out the mission and ideals of its outreach.

 

• Dismas Ministry spiritually accompanies volunteers as they choose to engage in one of two ways:

 

             a) Direct Service - serving in outreach to inmates in a local jail or correctional facility

             b) Indirect Service – helping with the operational needs of Dismas Ministry*

 

*Internal service may include: helping with correspondence to inmates, office assistance (filing, copying, data entry, bookkeeping), statistical research, grant research and grant writing, packaging and mailing of bible and faith materials to prisons, bible or faith study course assistance.

 

• Association with the leadership of Dismas Ministry and the resources it can provide allows for: spiritual enrichment and support, avoidance of isolation in ministry, time aside for spiritual reflection and sharing, as well as celebration.

 

• Enrichment opportunities include group sharing about prison ministry experiences, presentations by persons experienced in prison ministry, time for spiritual reflection, and social gatherings.

 

• Volunteers may receive a St. Dismas medal and share in the organization's union of prayer. The only requirement of this prayer association is to pray regularly for other members, other volunteers, and the work of the ministry itself. A Dismas Prayer card is provided for this purpose.