"You Visited Me": The Urgent Challenge of Prison Ministry
Boston College Prison Ministry Conference
Hosted by the Church in the 21st Century Center, the School of Theology and Ministry, and the STM Prison Ministry Initiative.
Welcome
On Friday, October 29, 2010, Boston College welcomed over 200 participants to a day long conference on Prison Ministry, featuring speakers, a prayer service, and breakout sessions. Find below videos and printed resources from the conference focusing on ways in which the Church can become a greater source of hope and transformation through prison ministries.
Video Presentations
"Theological Reflections"
John McDargh
An associate professor in the BC Theology Department, John McDargh has been involved with Bethany House Ministries for almost ten years, working with groups of prisoners who are members of the Catholic community at MCI Norfolk.
"Grace Behind Bars"
Sister Suzanne Jabro, CSJ
A nationally recognized leader in prison ministry work, Sister Suzanne is the founder and executive director of the Center for Restorative Justice Works, a non-profit organization that innovates gender-responsive solutions to issues impacting women in prison and their families.
"Vocation and Lay Mission"
Fr. Jack Butler, S.J.
The Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Boston College, Fr. Jack is a trained psychologist and theologian with over twenty years experience as a chaplain in the penitentiary system.
"Integration and Sending Forth"
Fr. George Williams, S.J.
A 2004 graduate of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Fr. George has over 15 years of experience in prison ministry. He has worked full time as Catholic Chaplain at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Concord and will begin work as Catholic Chaplain at the California State Prison at San Quentin in January 2011.
Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues
On September 17, 2010, Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. addressed the Boston College community in Conte Forum. Instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the death penalty, Sr. Helen spoke about her call to prison ministry. Sr. Helen is the author of the book "Dead Man Walking," which inspired both a motion picture and an opera. Click here to view the full webcast.
Printed Resources
Handout from Prison Ministry Conference, including speaking points, bibliographies, and resource listings.
Full text of John McDargh's presentation, including images and resources referenced.