Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition

"Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."?- Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Dear CPMC Community, CPMC members and staff have been blessed since our inception as an organization almost 7 years ago with being able to?see God at work through our transformative encounters?with people impacted by incarceration, their families, and each other.?Thank you, thank God! Lent is the time to reflect on what?God is uniquely doing in each of US.?In our ministry of accompaniment, we hear, see, and acknowledge how God is calling all of us to recognize and participate in their own unique path. God is always at work; we just need to stop, recognize it, and marvel! CPMC leadership As you know, we hired a new Executive Director. During his onboarding he had an unexpected family situation and he had to withdraw his acceptance of the position. The CPMC Board reflected that this might be a good time to engage a professional to assess how we fulfill our mission, and assist in structuring for our transition to full time salaried leadership. We will keep you updated on our progress. What's new This past month, the staff initiated the first stages of an?online platform, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Sharon Burns and the generosity of the CSJ Sisters. This platform will increase CPMC's capacity to effectively handle varied communications and the increasing number of dioceses, organizations, and individuals seeking formation.?Our priority remains addressing the personal and professional needs of volunteers and ministers. CPMC is partnering with?the ACLU and the Catholic Labor Network?to?address?the issue of labor in prisons. This issue was most recently highlighted by the incarcerated serving as firefighters in California. For your enrichment Our?March?webinar?will provide?a panel from various ministries to talk about?discerning ministry and how to begin?and sustain good work in in prison, reentry, juvenile, Spanish, diocesan prison ministry. A?40-day online Lenten opportunity?has been created by Kara McNamara, CPMC's Communications Manager, as an opportunity to reflect on the many spiritual and structural issues which affect our incarcerated and detained brothers and sisters. You are all in our prayers as you begin this Lenten Journey, The CPMC Team View our March Newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dGk4ve4j

Happy Jubilee Year! Pope Francis stood up from his wheelchair, knocked on the door to the chapel at Rebibbia Prison and walked across the threshold. This was not just symbolic, it was an example of putting God's love and mercy into action. The Pope reminds us, no one is beyond God's mercy, that?we are called to be the anchor of hope at the end of the rope prisoners hold on to. He challenged them to hold onto that rope of hope and never let go. He challenges us to anchor it. Hope presented through unconditional love is transformative to a life which has been void of love.?Many faithful volunteers and ministers have provided restorative and spiritual programs for people who are incarcerated.?The Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition has, over its short existence, provided hundreds of opportunities to support and promote this ministry, a ministry that needs to be elevated within the Church to open wide all of our hearts. Because of your good work and support, CPMC has been able to?grow and expand.?Dr. Patrick Riccards, CPMC's new Executive Director, and Beth Kennedy, CPMC's new Development Manager, will join the CPMC Team this Jubilee Year 2025.?Patrick brings organizational skills to scale CPMC and Beth brings experience and time to ensure the growth is sustainable.?We welcome Patrick and Beth's skills and leadership to the CPMC team! CPMC looks forward to providing you materials for this?Jubilee Year?and fulfilling our mission of recruiting the next generation of ministers. We will provide?formation?for all of our volunteers, continue our stellar?ongoing education?for ministers, promote best practices, encourage collaboration across the country and promote?advocacy?for a justice system centered on restoration and healing. Thank you for listening to the heart of the Gospels. May God bless you during this Jubilee Year and provide many opportunities to provide hope through unconditional love to those you encounter. May you kindle hope in your heart this Jubilee year, Karen Clifton and the CPMC Team View our January newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gTHjEQyt

?? What's new at CPMC this month? We're glad you asked! Our October newsletter is brimming with resources, educational opportunities, and food for thought! View it here: https://lnkd.in/dPDQAP8z

??CPMC is hiring! We are searching for an Executive Director and a Development Manager to assist us in fulfilling our mission of promoting ministry to all people affected by incarceration and detention. To learn more about each of these positions, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gN9k2MR4. All inquiries related to these positions can be directed to: [email protected]!

CPMC is searching for an Executive Director! The person in this role will have a unique opportunity to grow a new entity to fill a large ministerial need of accompanying people who have been affected by incarceration and detention. This position will require vision, organization, and ministerial and management experience. This is a fully remote, full-time position.