Prison Retreat: Why am I here?

By Kanobia Russell-Blackmon  | The Catholic Compass  |  March/April 2024

Why am I here? A question posed by some of the Catholic inmates at the Jefferson Correctional Institute (JCI). They have prayed about it, reflected on it and discussed it during their weekly sessions with the prison ministry team from St. Margaret Catholic Church in Monticello. It was fitting that “Why am I here?” was chosen as the theme for this year’s Catholic retreat at JCI.

Hosted by the prison ministry team from St. Margaret, the retreat was held at JCI in December. The team of volunteers included David and Linda Ricke and Angela and Edward Fisher. They were assisted by Aida Bone, Director of Advocacy and Justice for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, and Bishop William A. Wack, CSC.  More than one hundred inmates filled the chapel at JCI for the retreat, which included Mass, prayer, presentations, group discussions and witness testimonies. 

“Doing a retreat gives the men something to look forward to — a day to reflect on and be fed in their faith journey,” Linda expressed.

This was the second year the prison ministry team hosted the retreat, which was developed due to interest from the inmates, at JCI. They inquired about having a day of reflection to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith, to deepen their relationship with God and to share their faith journey. David, the lead organizer for the retreat, explained that the team put together topics for each of the volunteers to prepare and even asked the inmates to share their faith journeys to help their fellow inmates.

The retreat started with the participants praying the rosary. Afterwards, they heard presentations on conversion and transformative experiences. Bishop Wack later presented on the theme, “Why am I here?” which resonated with the inmates who often question why they are in prison and why they ended up there. Participants were captivated by Bishop Wack and his words of wisdom and encouragement. 

“Really impressed with Bishop Bill's humility and humanity. He was clear and concise,” said Michael, an inmate. “My bunkmate who attended the retreat (at my invitation) has changed his whole outlook on the Catholic Church for the better.”

Throughout the retreat, several inmates shared their stories of faith, stories of conversion and how their faith has brought them closer to God. Linda explained that this part of the retreat is important because the volunteers don’t know the prison experience like they do.

“We hear of the loneliness, the rejection, the isolation of the prisoners.” Linda described. “They live it. It’s important to get the perspectives of each of us involved to give a well-rounded presentation to the men.”

The retreat concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Wack and an opportunity for the inmates to ask questions of the presenters. Expressions of gratitude from the inmates were felt throughout the room. Some inmates even commented to the ministry team about “how nice it is to see the interactions between volunteers and to see married couples sharing their love of Christ.” The volunteers witnessed the impact the retreat had on the inmates, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. 

Inmate Kenneth expressed, “Bishop Bill answered questions about Catholicism and helped people understand what it really is.”

“It was great seeing people who really live what they believe,” said Matthew, another inmate.

The prison ministry team considers the inmates at JCI as part of their parish community. It is their prayerful hope that the inmates found the retreat beneficial and left with a feeling of hope and joy, the belief that their lives matter and that they are loved by others and by God. 

“I am hoping some would be moved to reconcile with family and friends, for them to find their own calling in their lives, to let go of fear and anger, to show compassion to others, and when things don’t go their way to seek peace, not vengeance,” shared Angela.

The retreat has inspired several inmates to come into the Catholic Church. Due to the interest, the prison ministry team at St. Margaret is in the planning stages of starting a new Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program at JCI.