Announcing the 2025 St. Dismas Award Recipient – Fr. Charles (Chuck) Canterna

We are delighted to announce that the Board of Directors has selected Fr. Charles (Chuck) Canterna as the recipient of the 2025 St. Dismas Award for his outstanding dedication to prison ministry and service to the incarcerated.

Fr. Chuck has been a full-time prison minister since the early 1980s, dedicating over four decades to this vital work. His commitment exemplifies the essence of this award—not as a single act but as a lifetime of transformative service that has positively impacted countless individuals behind bars. Through his work, Fr. Chuck has enriched lives, nurtured hope, and inspired faith within prison communities, fostering a deep sense of belonging and spiritual connection.

Charlotte Ponticelli, who nominated him for this award, beautifully captured his impact: “Those of us who have been blessed to serve on his prison ministry team here in Baltimore have come to know him as a go-to spiritual counselor, a true inspiration, and a good friend to those in need. Talk to anyone who knows him and you will hear him described as a Living Saint!”

Fr. Chuck’s ministry is marked by a unique hands-on approach that reflects the teachings of Christ. By consistently engaging in pastoral work, he has built a strong spirit of community and increased awareness of the needs and humanity of those in prison. His ability to elicit compassion and support for this often-overlooked population speaks volumes about his heart for service and unwavering faith.

We celebrate this well-deserved recognition of Fr. Chuck’s dedication and encourage everyone to reflect on the powerful work he embodies—serving, uplifting, and sharing God’s love with those most in need.

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who were nominated this year. With nine outstanding nominees, the selection process was incredibly challenging.