On Wednesday, Sept. 20, our new Administrative Assistant, Sally Cranson and new volunteers Kevin Fahey, James Herwaldt and Margaret Lothschutz joined us for our weekly Communion service at Muskegon Correctional and then attended an onsite orientation with Chaplain Craig Curtis. Former Brooks volunteer Karen Byrne and former Newaygo County Jail volunteer Father Steve Geerling also joined us for the service and orientation. They will now shadow current volunteers at Muskegon Correctional until they feel comfortable leading the service.

On Friday, Oct. 20, new volunteers Lynette LaBine, Tim Allard, and Ron Tiller attended an onsite orientation with Chaplain Bossardet at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia. They too will now begin shadowing current volunteers until they are comfortable leading the service alone.

I am grateful for the many volunteers who have already coordinated with their parish to collect items for our annual Christmas Drive. This year, we are collecting, travel size body wash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing lotion, and chapstick. We are also collecting new plastic reading glasses (see flyer for strengths needed), new women's underwear and new women's shoes. Please make sure all items are new and unused as we respect the dignity of each human person. Share our Christmas Drive Flyer with your friends, family and parish staff as appropriate. If you would like printed copies, contact me and I will be happy to mail them to you. All donations need to be delivered to Cathedral Square Center no later than Friday, Dec. 9.

Volunteers and friends of the ministry, join us and guest speaker Nate Roels, director, Behind Our Walls for an evening of food, fellowship, and prayer on: Monday, Feb. 5, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at Cathedral Square Center. The evening will include a private viewing of “Behind Our Walls” which shares the stories of transformation that have taken place in the lives of Calvin Prison Initiative students. Many of these students also attend our Catholic services in prison. You will also hear recorded messages for you from our incarcerated friends regarding how attending Catholic services has impacted them. Although there is no cost to attend, registration is required. Registration will close on Monday, Jan. 22. Register here!

I invite you to prayerfully consider giving to the Prison and Jail Ministry. Your generosity will help provide RCIA and bible study materials to the incarcerated in our diocese. Your donation will also assist with providing scholarships for training in restorative practices. To learn more about the work we do, visit our webpage.

Instagram what makes you proud to be Catholic. Be sure to tag the diocese in your post. A committee will award grants to the entrant’s ministry of choice (see recipient list here: bitly.com/givecatholicwm) for 1st ($1,250), 2nd ($1,000), and 3rd ($750) place winners. See additional requirements below.

In order to qualify for any challenge grants, all donations must be received through the diocesan giving website. All donations made through the diocesan website, 100 percent of the amount donated goes to the organization you choose.

When you have a moment, please complete this brief survey regarding ministry events. Your feedback and suggestions are valuable and important to us!

This newsletter contains all ministry information, updates, schedules and resources. Program volunteers, please be sure to read it in its entirety. You may also locate all volunteer information and resources on our page on the diocesan website at anytime.

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