Inside its walls is a beautiful Catholic church, the Church of St. Dismas, which has enhanced the spiritual lives of inmates for nearly 80 years.

It is unique, in that it is the only such freestanding church inside a prison in the U.S. Read more

Interviews with four Catholic prison chaplains provide some insights into their experiences working with communities within our prisons.

As well as the day-to-day chaplaincy role of providing pastoral care, providing access to the Sacraments, communion services and other church services, Prison Chaplains also ensure that the prisoners have access to Bibles and other religious references, materials and spiritual literature.

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One prison case manager, speaking on the condition of anonymity, says the Man Up programme is helping reduce reoffending, particularly among Maori. "I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it certainly helps some men." Continue reading

The Fortress of Faith founder, Ruta Poulos, told the Sunday Samoan that this is the second year of the programme.

The first training was conducted by Pastors from Hawai'i, the United States of America and Romania. This year, three local trainers and Counsellors facilitated the training.

"You'll be surprised but you'll find that many of the prisoners have been abandoned by their families so that they have nothing," said Ruta

"So part of our Ministry is not just counselling and providing prayers. We provide basic provisions like toothbrush, bars of soap, toothpaste, food and clothing to prisoners who have none.

"We have been amazed at how some of the things we take for granted every day are so appreciated by these prisoners.

"Yes they maybe criminals but at the end of the day, they are still people and God loves everyone."

Source

• Samoa Observer
• Image: api.ning.com
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