THE DISMAS MINISTRY
“I was in prison and you came to me” (Mt 25:36).
The third pastoral service of our Fraternity has
been with those who are incarcerated.
Here, too, the same reality that first led us to serve those living on the streets. The active use of drugs and involvement with trafficking have led many young people into the prison system.
This work is most often carried out in collaboration with the Prison Ministry of the Dioceses in which we have houses. Its approach is based on building bonds of friendship, fostering moments of prayer and sharing, preparing for and assisting at Holy Mass, preparing for the Sacraments, and helping to meet certain needs of those who are incarcerated, particularly in legal, health, and family matters.
Why do we call it the Dismas Ministry?
According to tradition, Dismas is the name given to the “Good Thief.” After his moment of doubt (Mt 27:44; Mk 15:32), he confessed his guilt, recognized the injustice committed against the One who had done only good, acknowledged Him as King, and asked to be remembered when He entered His Kingdom. He was the first to enter heaven: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23:43).
He has been popularly honored as the patron of repentant sinners at the hour of death and of those who are incarcerated. He was, in a sense, “canonized” in life by Jesus Himself. Saint Dismas the Good Thief.