Volunteers sought for diocesan prison ministry

IC photo/Laura Vallejo

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The prison ministry, part of the Diocesan Restorative Justice Ministry, is seeking volunteers. Shown is Deacon Greg Werking (second from left), the ministry’s assistant chaplain, with some of the volunteers, including Father Dominic Sternhagen, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Salt Lake City (second from right).

SALT LAKE CITY — Local Catholics interested in ministering to people who are incarcerated are being sought by the diocese’s prison ministry, which covers the Utah State Correctional Facility.

The prison ministry, part of the Diocesan Restorative Justice Ministry, is based on Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me,” said Deacon Greg Werking, the ministry’s assistant chaplain.

Lay volunteers assist at Mass and provide Bible study for inmates.

“This ministry, despite the fact that it may seem harsh, is very important because we are called to see Christ in the imprisoned, and providing them with the light of Christ is something really wonderful,” said Father Dominic Sternhagen, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Salt Lake City, who also volunteers with the prison ministry.

On a recent Saturday, Fr. Sternhagen joined a group of men for the Utah State Prison volunteer training, which is required for the prison ministry. Volunteers also must pass a background check, be 21 years old or older, and possess a valid state-issued identification.

Those who already volunteer at the prison have various reasons for choosing it as a ministry.

Also among those who underwent the training was Ian Gregor, a parishioner of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City, who said volunteering at the prison is not only one of the Corporal Works of Mercy, it also is what Catholics are called to do.

“We are Catholics and we made our vows, so the right thing to do is to put your faith into action,” he said.

For Daniel Schoenfeld, a deaconate candidate from St. Thomas More Parish in Cottonwood Heights, this ministry helps him meet the service requirement of his deaconate formation, but also is something he is attracted to do.

 “I wanted to do this because I found it very interesting as something to serve the community with,” Schoenfeld said.

Another volunteer, Francis Lewis, said he “wanted to serve in the margins; as a Catholic you have to go to places that are sometimes difficult.” He also volunteers at a hospital, “so this is just part of the way I am trying to give back.”

For Joe Bright, a Cathedral of the Madeleine parishioner, volunteering with the prison ministry felt like something he simply had to do, he said.

“My brother served in the ministry for several years, and ... so serving here puts my feet back in earth,” he said.

Those interested in volunteering with the prison ministry must attend the course, which is offered the second Saturday of each month. For information, contact Deacon Werking. Interested persons also are invited to a new prison ministry volunteers social that will take place on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s Benvegnu Center, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City.

For information, contact Deacon Werking at 385-430-1234 or restorative.justice@dioslc.org.