"Doing Time"

In the 13th century Dominic recognized the need for preachers among society’s most marginalized: the imprisoned. Dominicans also remember the oft told story about Catherine of Siena ministering to a condemned prisoner.

In the USA, “land of the free,” a May, 2009 report of the PEW Foundation says that an “Explosive growth in the number of people on probation or parole has propelled the population of the American corrections system to more than 7.3 million, or 1 in every 31 U.S. adults.” The numbers are huge, yet this population remains largely invisible. It’s also underserved. Many families are touched by this reality, perhaps even yours.

I’m glad to be part of a national, small, but effective, network of Dominicans from Sinsinawa who are dedicated to local efforts to serve this population. I’d love to hear about your experience!

A prayer by mystic Evelyn Underwood, To Follow in the Paths of Saints, says in part:
Your paths are well-trodden.

Along them you and your saints have carried

healing and love to ordinary men and women

where they are.

Teach me to serve them as you serve

—with patience,simplicity,reverence,and love.
Ruth Poochigian, O.P.
Madison, WI