Faith stems from a spiritual seed planted in our hearts. It is a personal response to Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness. Scripture is rich with many stories of impossibilities becoming realities. Do not give up before the miracle happens. Faith is the opportunity to join with…
Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness
In addition to the primary gift of life, these are spiritual assets available to everyone. These tools are the mechanisms which can transform our lives from self-dependent to God-centered. They are not passively applied, but require active intervention. Mercy was active up through the last…
Keeping the Family Intact – Healing Betrayal
Any act which threatens the unity and integrity of the family is a betrayal of the trust of all the other family members, particularly the children. Children usually have a fantasy image of their parents, they can do all things and overcome all obstacles and…
Communication: Inside and Outside the Walls
The family lifeline is communication. Discover and use every method available to keep this link intact. Mail, telephone calls, visits are some of the possible opportunities to keep the contact fresh and meaningful. At times, there may be a strong temptation to abandon further contact…
The Law: Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Once an individual has been convicted of a crime, whether by jury or judge, the burden of proof is switched. Now the individual must prove their innocence. It is a very difficult task to reverse a legal judgment. It does happen, but not very often.…
Institutional Boundaries and Obstacles
Once your family member has been imprisoned, be prepared to be treated with suspicion and mistrust when dealing with prison authorities. You will have to submit a background investigation application to arrange permission for visiting privileges. Once visiting privileges have been granted, you will usually…
Social Barriers and Community Scrutiny
Coldness and distance many become hallmarks governing old relationships in a new unfamiliar way. You may find that you are no longer welcomed in some circles, while your children are excluded from continued contact with other children. Be prepared to receive U.S. mail from your…
Raising Children with a Parent in Prison
Children are particularly vulnerable to suffering, given their limited ability to process legal maneuvers or assess the actions of a parent in an unbiased manner. Children need to be informed and helped to process their own thoughts and feelings at an age-appropriate level. Support and…
Surviving Incarceration and Release
Surviving Incarceration and Release: It is not just the prisoner who suffers from the sentence imposed. The whole family (immediate and extended) are impacted by shock waves of rejection, suspicion and intrusion on personal privacy. The family serves its sentence in the community, while the…
SIN and Crime
All crimes are sins against God All sins are crimes against God. We have all violated His laws. The distinction between secular laws and God’s laws is artificial. Early Church Fathers developed the concept of NOETICS, which is the belief that sin/crime negatively impacts the…
