NORGE — Local residents are invited to St. Olaf Catholic Church in Norge on Oct. 28 for a prison ministry workshop.
The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and will feature speeches from former inmates and chaplains who will discuss how prison ministry impacts those behind bars. Speakers will discuss the current status of religious programs within the Virginia Department of Corrections, the selection process for chaplains, what it is like working inside prison and the challenges of meeting the spiritual needs of inmates, and more.
“There are a number of ways individual volunteers and Churches can help bring the Good News of the Gospel to inmates, provide assistance to their families, and assist Chaplains in providing support to these often-neglected members of the Body of Christ,” the press release says.
Representatives from GraceInside, a Henrico-based nonprofit that works to match and train chaplains for prison ministry, will also be on hand during the event.
“Prison ministry is probably the most neglected ministry of all ministries. Many Christians believe in, ‘Lock ’em up and throw away the key’ when it comes to the incarcerated. As 2023 elections in Virginia and 2024 national elections grow near, we hear similar rhetoric from politicians claiming they are ‘tough on crime’ while accusing others of being ‘soft on crime,'” according to the release.
Preceding the workshop 9 a.m., there will be a memorial service to honor John F. Ballentine, a man who came to Christ while incarcerated, earned a Master’s degree in Theology and had two books published before his sudden death in prison. All are welcome to attend.
The goal of the workshop is to give the public insight into all the ways that they can help assist with prison ministry and it promises help to address some of the misinformation out there about the ministry.
“The incarcerated come from every walk of life, rich and poor, young and old. Many have fallen away from their faith and many more have no faith. Having no contact with the outside world deepens feelings of loneliness, depression, and bitterness,” the release says. “In prison ministry, we have an opportunity to bring the Good News of the Gospel behind bars reminding the incarcerated that they too are members of the Body of Christ. There are other ministry activities outside of prison that churches can carry out in support of chaplains, religious programs, inmates and their families.”
The workshop is free to attend and is open to all. St. Olaf Catholic Church asks that those planning on attending call to register at 757-564-3819.
