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Confirmation at E. C. Brooks Prison
On Thursday, Dec. 18, Father Nick Baker confirmed our friend, Adonis, at E. C. Brooks prison (LRF). Adonis was ready to be confirmed at a previous prison when he was unexpectedly transferred to LRF a year ago. We are grateful for Father Nick's willingness to confirm Adonis. Please hold him in prayer as he continues his faith journey.
Michigan Restorative Justice Council - HB 4211
Earlier this year, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling that could make nearly 600 individuals who were sentenced to life without parole as juveniles eligible for resentencing and possible release. Under current policy, many of these individuals - despite having served decades in prison - would not qualify for reentry services upon release because with their immediate eligibility, they would no longer be in custody of Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).
HB4211 addresses this gap by extending reentry services to all returning citizens, including those impacted by the recent court ruling. This change will help ensure all individuals leaving incarceration will have the resources and support necessary to rebuild their lives and contribute as productive members of society. The Michigan Restorative Justice Council believes that reentry services are vital to ensuring a safe and successful transition home for both the individuals and their communities. These programs provide essential support such as housing, employment training, mental health and substance use counseling, family reunification assistance, and connections to community-based resources. Denying access to these services undermines rehabilitation, increases barriers to stability, and risks higher rates of recidivism. The bill was voted out of committee and is now before the whole house. The committee vote was unanimous.
The Council is in strong support for House Bill 4211. We submitted our letter of support for this important bill in November and urge you to contact your state legislators. Please encourage them to vote yes on this good and important bill that will drastically affect the lives our incarcerated friends as they return to society.
New Volunteers
Pease join me in welcoming new volunteers Chris Grote and Theresa and Alyn Arekestyn. They attended our informational session in June and are now cleared to lead services at Ottawa County Juvenile Detention Center and Newaygo County Jail. Chris will help lead services at Ottawa Juvy, while Theresa and Alyn will help lead our monthly service at Newaygo County Jail. Please hold them in prayer as they begin their journeys with our incarcerated friends.
Annual Christmas Drive
The Prison and Jail Ministry’s annual Christmas drive was extremely successful once
again. We are grateful for the unwavering generosity each year from our parishes and volunteers who collect and donate items for our incarcerated brothers and sisters. This year, we collected more than 3000 pairs of socks that were placed in Christmas packages for the men and women incarcerated in the 11 county jails throughout the diocese. We also collected hundreds of reading glasses to be given out throughout the year. Additionally, we received numerous monetary donations which helped purchase religious books, candy canes, Rice Krispies Treats, rosaries, bookmarks, and pencils to be placed in gift bags. Students at West Catholic also created beautiful Christmas cards to include with the gift bags.
During the second and third weeks of Advent, we assembled and delivered 125 gift bags to three juvenile detention centers and 162 gift bags for the men attending our Catholic services in 5 prisons. West Catholic High School also collected hundreds of items for men and women who are currently on parole. They collected food items, toiletries, gift cards, winter coats, hats, boots and gloves.
We are grateful for the many individuals and the following parishes who participated in our annual drive:
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Belmont
- Basilica of St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids
- Holy Family, Sparta
- Holy Spirit, Grand Rapids
- Our Lady of Consolation, Rockford
- Our Lady of Sorrows, Grand Rapids
- Our Lady of the Lake, Holland
- West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids
- St. Anthony of Padua, Grand Rapids
- St. John Vianney, Wyoming
- St. Jude, Grand Rapids
- St. Paul the Apostle, Grand Rapids
- St. Pius X, Grandville
- St. Sebastian, Byron Center
- St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids
Appreciation Dinner
Volunteers and friends of the ministry, please join us and Bishop Walkowiak for an evening of food, fellowship and prayer on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The evening will include a program update, a plated dinner and an inspiring keynote presentation from Deacon Jerry Roersma. His story of God’s amazing grace and the transforming effect forgiveness has on us will embolden you to forgive and inspire you in your service to the incarcerated. If you have not yet registered, please register soon for this joyful event celebrating you and the good work you do!
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