History of Jail Ministry
In 1974 the St Ben’s Capuchins asked two sisters to aid them in addressing the moral issues that faced them in their ministry at the nearby Milwaukee County Jail. One of the original members, Sr Rita Martin, a Racine Dominican, and other interested people opened a Center originally called Wisconsin Program for women and girl offenders. Funding was later obtained to provide individualized education/counseling of inmates. In Oct 1978 the entire operation was incorporated as Benedict Center for Criminal Justice. It became a legal entity distinct from St Benedict with its own board of directors, administrators and executive board. See www.benedictcenter.org. St Ben’s provides a home and support center to volunteer chaplains and those who minister in the jails around us. Chaplains gather at St Bens for prayer, reading of scripture, support and sharing. Group meetings relating to criminal justice are held at the friary. St Ben’s is known as a welcoming, supportive place by those in jail – some want to help, to do volunteer work. Mentioning St Ben’s in our jail brings forth smiles and positive conversations of growing faith and a new path to follow. The parish is well-known as an oasis.
People at St Ben’s do advocacy work for incarcerated men and women. St Ben’s was an early supporter of Wisconsin Coalition Against the Death Penalty www.wcadp.org |
