In 2016 (by Convention resolution), the month of September was designated as Prison Awareness Month throughout the Diocese. The Diocesan Prison Ministry Team is encouraging members from each congregation in our Diocese to become involved in one or more of the many opportunities for ministry available. These opportunities include:
- Using a special Prayers of the People during worship services in September
- Sending birthday cards to some of the inmates from Perryville Women’s Prison
- Taking up a special collection to assist with scholarships and Bible donations for Chapel Rock’s Camp Genesis (for children with an incarcerated parent/loved one)
- Holding a personal hygiene item drive to provide items needed for those being released and the residents of Magdalene House in Avondale, AZ
- Attending an inmate art show (see event list below)
- Invite a member of the Diocesan Prison Ministry Team to speak (via Zoom or in person!) and help raise awareness about the costly impact of incarceration on our communities.
More information is available on the Diocesan Prison Ministry website: www.azdiocese.org/prison-ministry. Just click on “Prison Awareness Month” to learn more about these and other suggestions.
Check out these special events scheduled for Prison Awareness Month including:
9/1-30: Hygiene Product Drive for Magdalene House
9/1-30: “Straight from the Heart” prison art show at Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson
9/10: Guest Storyteller from Arouet Foundation at 10 AM coffee hour, St. Francis in the Valley, Green Valley
9/16: Re-entry Simulation led by Arouet Foundation and hosted by St. Matthew’s, Tucson. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-matthew-reentry-simulation-tickets-675378484227
9/17: Camp Genesis Sunday – all parishes are asked to help support this camp for children with incarcerated loved ones through donations and/or a special collection
9/30: Re-entry Simulation led by Arouet Foundation and hosted by St. Francis in the Valley, Green Valley
