2027 St. Dismas Award Nominations Now Open

Dismas Ministry is honored to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2027 St. Dismas Award.

Presented annually, the St. Dismas Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to persons who are incarcerated. It honors those who quietly and faithfully serve in prison ministry, often behind the scenes and far from public recognition.

This award is also our way of caring for the caregiver. Many who serve in this ministry give countless hours offering hope, compassion, prayer, encouragement, and the presence of Christ to our brothers and sisters behind bars. Their work changes lives, yet it often goes unseen.

Through the St. Dismas Award, we seek to shine a light on these remarkable individuals and help bring greater awareness to the importance of prison ministry.

What is the St. Dismas Award?
The St. Dismas Award is given annually, by Dismas Ministry, to an individual in recognition of their outstanding service to the incarcerated.

What are the eligibility guidelines?
We invite you to think of the many people you know who work within your organization. If anyone meets these qualifications, please consider nominating them for the St. Dismas Award.

The nominee must:

• be actively engaged in service to the incarcerated
• have more than a single act or accomplishment
• positively impact and enrich the lives of people in prison
• be a part of building a spirit of community through his or her life and work
• foster awareness of the pastoral needs of people in prison
• elicit support for the plight of people in prison

Nominees from diverse cultures, faith traditions and generations are encouraged.

How do I nominate someone?
An individual who nominates someone for the St. Dismas Award will need to provide a brief testimonial on the nominee. And provide 1 – 2 additional testimonials from others who endorse this nominee. (No more than three testimonials will be accepted or considered for each nominee).

Nominate your candidate today!
It’s very easy! Please complete the form below. After we receive your nomination, you will be contacted by a member of the Dismas Ministry staff who will request you submit 1 – 2 additional testimonials (or submit testimonials below) from others who endorse this nominee.

Nominations for the 2027 award are open until September 15, 2026, 11:59 pm (Central Time). The Board of Directors of Dismas Ministry will review all nominations, vote and select the recipient for the 2027 award at their fall meeting. With the full Board’s approval, an announcement will be made to the public after January 1st and the annual award will be presented on or near the Feast of St. Dismas, March 25, 2027.

(Those excluded from the Call for Nominations: current Dismas Ministry Board members, staff, consultants, volunteers, and vendors.)