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A Reflection on St. Dismas Day

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Dismas Story

Artwork in image is Jacques Tissot’s (French, 1836-1902) “Pardon of the Good Thief”

 

A Gospel Within a Gospel

On this St. Dismas Day – March 25 – special blessings to all inmates, families, staff, volunteers, our board members, donors and prayer union – everyone involved in prison life and ministry one way or the other. Read & reflect on Luke 23: 39-43, the story of our patron the good thief.

The story of Dismas has been called a “gospel within a gospel” because it condenses the ministry of Jesus into just a few hours. Dismas the good thief represents the converted rebel in all of us as he changes from reviling to revering Jesus. His example encourages us to abandon our own misery and slavery to sin for the mercy and freedom of Christ, no matter what we have done or failed to do.

Jesus the eternal judge nailed to the cross presides over all of humanity. By his death he sees to it that “…this world’s prince is driven out” (John 12:31). He silences the hellish argument that our sins are unforgivable, that there is no hope, no turning back for the likes of us. The voice of Satan the prosecutor is silenced by the verdict of Jesus as he admits a scoundrel into the kingdom at the very last minute.

The account of Dismas also reminds us of the parable in which the laborer came at the end of the day and still earned the same wage as those who entered the field early in the morning. This story of God’s freedom to act as He wills gives all of us hope.

– Ron Zeilinger, Dismas Ministry Director

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Resource Book: Ministry to the Incarcerated

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We received a letter from Henry G. Covert introducing his book, “Ministry to the Incarcerated,” as a guide to understanding the prison environment and ministry to inmates.

About the Book

In Ministry to the Incarcerated, Dr. Covert uses his experiences as both police officer and retired state prison chaplain to examine the problems of the incarcerated, specifically the stressors which are obstacles to a prisoner’s personal and spiritual development. In his analysis he provides both secular and biblical themes that promote penal reform and offender rehabilitation.

Ministry to the Incarcerated also provides instructional outlines for staff and volunteers, as well as Dr. Covert’s experience being the chaplain for Pennsylvania’s first execution in 33 years.

About Henry G. Covert

Dr. Henry G. Covert is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ. After a tour of duty in the military, he worked in law enforcement for twenty years as both a patrol sergeant and county detective. Toward the end of that career he began his studies for the ministry. He has pastored several parishes, worked as a counselor in therapeutic communities, was a state prison chaplain, and acquired adjunct faculty status at the Pennsylvania State University. Reverend Covert was the chaplain for Pennsylvania’s first execution in thirty-three years. He holds several academic degrees in the Scriptures and theology, including a doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is the author of six books: Ministry to the Incarcerated, Discovering the Parables: An Inspirational Guide for Everyday Life, Spiritual Reflections: A Journey through the Scriptures, Christian Beliefs and Prayers, The Crucifixion of Jesus, and The True Church of Jesus Christ.

This book is for everyone who has an interest in law enforcement, the penal system, and rehabilitation and ministry in the prison system.

Find Ministry to the Incarcerated on Amazon

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This Day Newsletter – Fall 2013 Issue

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Feature article: Saints Who Were in Prison

Thomas More (1478-1535) was a good husband and father, had a sense of humor, and a pleasant personality. He also was a successful lawyer, scholar and writer, and his talent won both the friendship and recognition of King Henry the Eighth of England. Eventually, the king appointed him to the post of Lord Chancellor – the highest position in the government. It was a great honor and Thomas served with fairness and justice. What at first seemed like a dream-come-true turned into a nightmare that cost Thomas his life. Eventually, the king decided to divorce the queen because they had no children. He desperately wanted a son to succeed him as king. When the pope refused to dissolve the marriage, the king declared himself head of the church in England, divorced the queen and took a new wife.

When citizens were asked to make an oath of loyalty to the king as the head of the church, using his knowledge of the law, Thomas claimed the right to remain silent and retired from public life, resigning as Chancellor. Nevertheless, he was summoned to back to court and jailed in the Tower of London, where he remained in solitude for 15 months …

Click here to read the newsletter

Also included in this issue: An Update from Director Ron Zeilinger, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice & Christ’s Body Behind Bars.

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4Thought TV’s Theme: “Can you find God behind bars?”

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Can you find God behind bars?

Today 93,395 people are in prison in the UK. With time to reflect on their actions, many of them turn to religion for guidance and solace. But what does faith do for those inmates? This week 4thought.tv visits Barlinnie Prison, Scotland’s largest jail to ask, ‘Can you find God behind bars?’

Click here to view the vidoes – personal stories of inmates finding faith in prison>

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“Windows of the Soul”

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Inmate Art Show April 19th

An Exhibit of Artwork by the Incarcerated

Works of art done by men, women and youth incarcerated in detention centers, county jails and prisons throughout the United States. These pieces depict the humor, love, hurt and healing that have transpired in their lives.

This is a joint exhibit between The Cathedral of St. John, Dismas Ministry and Project Return in participation with the Historic Third Ward Association’s Gallery Night and Day, held Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 2013.

The inmate exhibit will be open Friday, April 19th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 802 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee.

Click here to RSVP to our event on Facebook> 

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