Prison Ministry – Office of Restorative Ministry
Supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the Restorative Ministry office offers outreach at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, providing support, prayer and healing to inmates, families, and victims as well as to parishes and volunteers, as part of an ongoing journey toward becoming an accepting, connected community.
’35 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, 36 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.’ (Matthew 25:36)
Coordinator Dianne Anderson provides pastoral outreach at local prisons, and engages volunteers and parishes in answering Jesus’ call to care for the prisoner. Contact her at danderson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5845.
Responding to Christ’s call to reach out to those in prison:
Volunteers are always needed: consider applying today. Regular liturgies are held at the prison, with opportunities for volunteers to lead music, etc. Throughout the year, the Restorative Ministry office offers prayer opportunities, healing circles, Returning to Spirit sessions, parenting classes, and one-on-one conversation. Donations of rosaries are always welcome (please, no pink colours.) Monetary donations collected at Easter and at Christmas are used to purchase small gifts to give to inmates as a way to share the joy of Christ, and to let the men know they are not forgotten. Easter liturgies and Mass on Christmas Day are also important moments of outreach and connection at the prison.
Testimony about the power of prison ministry:
To volunteer or to learn more, please contact: Dianne Anderson, Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road Saskatoon,; e-mail: danderson@rcdos.can or call (306) 659-5845.
Helping to keep families connected
The diocesan Office of Restorative Ministry is assisting with a project designed to help men in prison stay connected to family, through videotaped bedtime stories. A dad in prison is videotaped reading the story, which is then sent to his children in a donated backpack with donated pyjamas — this gift helps to strengthen parenting skills and foster stronger family connections.
Donations of children’s pajamas (size 2 up, with a great need for larger sizes, 10-14) and small back packs for this project can be dropped off at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call Dianne Anderson at (306) 659-5845.