NEWSLETTER

November/December 2026

UPDATE

Dear Volunteers and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying Michigan’s beautiful fall season. On Nov. 13, we celebrate the feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who said, “I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him.” Thank you for following St. Cabrini’s example - going “anywhere” to share Christ’s love and light, even in unfamiliar places.

As Advent begins on Nov. 29, we are invited to quiet our hearts and prepare with hope for the coming of the Lord. At the end of the season, we will once again hear the tender story of His birth - a precious child welcomed by humble parents and laid in a simple manger. Christmas reminds us that Christ also longs to draw near to each of us, meeting us in the sacred spaces of our hearts and in the ordinary moments of daily life. As we enter this holy season, may we pause and consider how we can open our lives more fully to Him.

I recently refreshed the format of this newsletter. Each issue will now begin with a brief update, followed by three sections: Restorative Programing, Ministry Events, and Volunteer Resources. I value and appreciate your insight. Please email any feedback you have on the new layout. I hope you will take a few moments to read it in its entirety. You can also find volunteer information and resources at any time on our webpage.

May the peace, joy, and love of Christ live in your heart today and always!



Tricia Worrell

Director, Prison and Jail Ministry

tworrell@grdiocese.org

616-475-1255

On Sept. 3, members of the Michigan Restorative Justice Council (MRJC) joined me at Muskegon Correctional for the Restorative Justice Alliance’s monthly meeting. We began with a support circle, making space to listen to what was on participants’ hearts and minds as they journey toward restorative living. Alliance members also heard from formerly incarcerated council members Shawn England and Michael Duthler, who shared insights from their experiences with the parole board. We also discussed the Restorative Practice training scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17 - the same two-day training we offered at Richard A. Handlon Prison (MTU) in August.

Throughout October, MRJC members also joined me for weekly meetings with the Restorative Justice Groups at MTU. The groups welcomed council members D. J. Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor and Chaplain Melody Chauvez, institutional chaplain at Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility. These meaningful encounters between our incarcerated friends and council members were educational, inspiring, and transformative. When we truly listen to one another, share ideas, and help heal and transform pain, we can move forward together - cultivating a culture in which human dignity is respected and further harm is prevented.

Annual Christmas Drive

We are collecting new plastic reading glasses, new white tube or crew socks, and individually wrapped Kellogg's Rice Krispies treats this year. Please 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, 360 Division Ave. S., no later than Friday, Dec. 11.

*the Communion service format used in our service sheets is liturgically accurate

for a lay volunteer leading a Communion service in places other than a church

*Communion Service sheets in Spanish are available upon request

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