Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

Awakening to a Story Worth Sharing by Tee Mann

At 4:47 AM, I found myself suddenly awake, compelled by the urge to share a story that holds great meaning for me. My name is Tee Mann, and as I reflect on my past experiences in prison, I am reminded of what it was like to endure the Christmas season while incarcerated. Sentenced to thirteen months, I faced the reality of spending one Christmas behind bars.


Finding Comfort Through Connection

Recently, a good friend of mine, who served time in a federal facility, shared his own experience of spending two Christmases in jail. In an effort to stay connected with his loved ones, he reached out to his family and friends, asking each of them to write a personal story recalling a cherished memory they had shared together.


Memories as Meaningful Gifts

He received several heartfelt letters, which became his Christmas presents. He took his time opening each one, allowing himself to savor the memories and momentarily escape the confines of his cell during the holiday season. These letters served as a powerful reminder that, while the body may be imprisoned, the mind remains free to reflect on joyous memories and travel wherever it wishes.

A Wish for the Season

Merry Christmas to you and to all the people you love. May you find comfort in the presence of cherished memories, no matter where you are.


*Tee is our resident techie! He is on the DFN Steering Committee and volunteers with CoSA. Tee has inspired many with his journey from incarceration to freedom.

Mary-Jo MacKinnon Simms reports that

Dismas Fellowship Kingston is getting ready to get off the ground! They have set a date for their first official meeting on January 22, 2026!

Bruce Smith reports...



Dismas Toronto West (November 14)

had 5 or 6 new guys, plus a terrific bunch from Our Lady of Sorrows serving up a great meal. Roy and Gladys led the meeting really well.

One of the couples who volunteer at Dismas Fellowship Guelph were concerned that perhaps some of our community did not get to enjoy a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. So they cooked a turkey, and tons of mashed potatoes and corn, and dressing and served a meal fit for a king!

Everyone was so grateful for this gesture! Pam Tuck shared the "Stone Soup" story one more time and people shared what they thought they had to offer our community. It was a very meaningful time.

Our meeting was on Friday, November 14.
Numbers were a little lower than usual, but we were happy to have one first time guest.

The group enjoyed Chili Con Carne, with two types of salad, topped off with "Peach Melba" and cookies for dessert! Paul Tuck shared the reflection with the question, "What makes you feel useful?"

Cambridge: When it's cold... it's chili!

Dismas Cambridge also had the bright idea to counter the colder weather with some hot chili. 

Paul thought it was funny that after eating chili together, the group's first circle song was "Blowin' in the Wind!"

We were happy to have 2 first time guests and the sharing around the circle was extraordinary!

from Eric Richards ...

Greetings Everyone! 

Dismas Brockville had a small but delightful group of 10 people in attendance. Alex brought us a reflection about our "Taming the Heart." Tony and Cathy brought us Chili and Caesar Salad. 

The December meeting will be on the 8th and we look forward to it even though Moira T will be retiring after being with us since we began in 2015.

God bless everyone! Merry Christmas!

Dismas Hamilton met on Friday, November 21.
The group decided to have something simple, since December's meal is going to be more elaborate.

Jeff and the kitchen crew served up Chili Dogs with sides of coleslaw and chips. For dessert there were Krispy Kreme donuts, Apple Crumble pie and loads of clementines!

Pam Tuck brought the reflection that she shared with other Dismas groups, "Stone Soup" and guess what? Everyone responded!

Elvera Reimer shares...

On Monday, November 24th Dismas Niagara celebrated with a delicious meal cooked by Judy from the Booth Centre. We all enjoyed lasagna, salad, buns & carrot cake. Thank you, Judy! This was followed by singing led by Elvera, circle time led by Matt and a sharing time led by Steve. The question was: “Who is that person in your life who has impacted or supported you?” We had 19 people in attendance and it was a really good evening conversing & sharing together while enjoying our deepening relationships. Looking forward to our first Christmas celebration together in Niagara next month.

Did you know that you can support your local Dismas Group and receive a donation receipt for income taxes? The year 2025 will soon be over, so now is a great time to give and have a better tax return!

The easiest way to support your own local Dismas is to go to the Friends of Dismas Canada Helps Page, scroll down and select which Dismas you want to support.

You can click on the button below and make a secure donation.

You can also make a donation to Dismas Fellowship Network or to the local Dismas of your choosing by scanning or taking a picture of the QR CODE.

It will take you to a secure location to make the donation. There is a box where you can select where you want your donation to be applied.

Do you need help, training, supplies or just someone to bounce ideas off of?

Call Paul Tuck at

(647) 525-8245

Or click below to send an email.

It is our prayer that all of you enjoy the best Christmas possible. Even with limitations or setbacks, remember it's about the One who came to bring us hope. And as Teemann reminded us, we always have the gift of "presence" with friends (and even pets) we love. Let us remember and encourage one another this holiday season! 
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Paul & Pam Tuck