Day of Reflection

Summary Report on the Day's Activities

INTRODUCTION OF THE DAY

John Gilluly, Associate Director of Criminal Justice Ministry opened the day with a brief welcome to all attending. Our gathering included priests, seminarians, deacons and lay volunteers from across our diocese– from West in the northern most part of the Diocese; Bryan/College Station in the east; San Saba and Llano in the west, and Austin, Lockhart and Luling in the south. We also had both clergy and lay Criminal Justice Ministry volunteers attending from the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General, followed with a message of welcome and encouragement to all present, and expressed appreciation to Criminal Justice Ministry volunteers for the giving of their time and efforts to serve the incarcerated and the families of those caught up in the criminal justice system.
 
MORNING PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

Deacon Ronnie Lastovica, Coordinator of the Gatesville Correctional Ministry presided over the Morning Prayer and Thanksgiving.
 
LIFE IN PRISON AND THE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS

Damon West talked about the dangers of drugs and the consequences of criminal addictive behavior that inevitably results from the use of illegal drugs. Damon gave an emotional account of his own experience with addiction that led to his committing various property and other drug-related crimes, resulting in a sentence of 65 years in a TDCJ maximum security facility. He shared with us certain lessons he learned in prison – “You don’t have to win all your fights, but in prison you do have to fight all your fights”, and “Be a coffee bean” i.e., an agent of change. Damon stressed how prison ministry volunteers, his faith in God and the support of his family helped him to reorient his life while in prison.

COMMUNITY MASS

Bishop Garcia was the principal celebrant of the Mass with Father Harry Dean, Father Frank Zlotkowski and Father Tom Chamberlain concelebrating. Deacon Tim Hayden and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica assisted at the Mass, and liturgical music was provided by members of the Emmaus Parish Choir (Lakeway). In his homily, Bishop Garcia again stressed the importance of and appreciation for the contribution made by volunteers in the CJM and for the sacrifice of their time to assist those caught up in the criminal justice system.
 
ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS VOLUNTEERS SERVING IN PRISONS

The afternoon began with a presentation by TDCJ Regional Chaplain Tim Hunter on the role and importance of religious volunteers serving in TDCJ prison units. The Correctional Institutions Division of TDCJ operates institutional prisons, state jails and substance abuse felony punishment facilities in six (6) regional districts throughout the State of Texas. Chaplain Hunter is responsible for Region 6, which encompasses much of the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Austin. Of particular interest in Chaplain Hunter’s presentation was his review of certain operating statistics of TDCJ’s correctional facilities, inmate population characteristics and volunteer programs within those facilities, most especially within the Chaplaincy Department in which the vast majority of TDCJ volunteers serve. Chaplain Hunter also previewed some new rehabilitation programs under consideration by TDCJ.
           
YOUTH DETENTION FACILITIES – VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AND NEEDS

Anita Schwartz, Community Relations Coordinator with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) talked about the TJJD system and volunteer needs and opportunities, stressing particularly the need for and role of mentors within TJJD facilities. Anita encouraged anyone who has an interest in serving as a mentor or would like to learn more about volunteering with the TJJD to contact her directly (979-542-4609).

Frederick Horton, Chaplain of TJJD’s Giddings State School, gave an impassioned presentation on the impact volunteers and others in the criminal justice system had on his life by their focusing on positive change and rehabilitation rather than seeking retribution through incarceration. He cited as the most important statistic: one plus one equals success, i.e., the efforts of one volunteer can help to lead a disadvantaged youth on the path to success.
 
SEEING GOD’S DIGNITY THROUGH IRON BARS

Rev. Frank Zlotkowski, CSC, Chaplain, Dell Seton Medical Center, gave the final presentation of the day on the topic of Seeing God’s Dignity through Iron Bars. Drawing from the USCCB document, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, Fr. Frank reiterated the Bishops’ statement that “A Catholic approach (to crime and criminal justice) begins with the recognition that the dignity of the human person applies to both victim and offender”. That how we, as Christ’s disciples, are called to show compassion for and assist the less fortunate in our society today, including offenders and their families, in fulfillment of Christ’s mandate in Matthew 25.

WRAP-UP COMMENTS

John Gilluly closed the day with a few comments about the support role of the diocesan Office of the Criminal Justice Ministry and invited volunteers to visit the ministry’s web site or contact him for additional information or assistance.

Fr. Harry Dean concluded with a short closing prayer asking for the Lord’s help.