OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“The Lord secures justice for the oppressed … sets the prisoners free … lifts up those who are bowed down” (Psalm 146:7 quoted by Pope Francis in his call to the Jubilee Year of Mercy)
As we enter the last months of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, families from around Oahu will gather Sept. 10-11 for a special retreat in the Mystical Rose Oratory on the campus of Chaminade University and St. Louis School. The retreat is for “justice-involved families” — those whose members have been affected by incarceration. Invited are families with members who have left the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua and families with members in special WCCC furlough programs.
Also invited are caregivers and children whose mothers are still at WCCC and who are part of the Christmas “Star Light, Star Bright” event sponsored by the diocese, as well as girls and their families involved in the juvenile justice system.
Formerly incarcerated men and their families involved in the First Lap Program are also invited. In addition to faith sharing and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, the retreat will offer a wide range of activities: puppet show, skits, games, art projects, group exercises by age, family time together and individual reflection time. The retreat was developed by the Marianist Community and is also offered at St. Rita Parish in Nanakuli.
The retreat is part of a collective effort called the Going Home Consortium, a network of public, private and faith-based organizations that support women exiting prison by linking them with resources for transitioning back into the community. On Oahu, Going Home is coordinated by the Pu‘a Foundation working with the diocesan Office for Social Ministry and the diocesan Prison Ministry. Also involved are parishioners from St. John Vianney in Enchanted Lake, St. Ann in Kaneohe, St. Anthony in Kailua, St. George in Waimanalo, Mary, Star of the Sea in Kahala, Mystical Rose Oratory and St. Patrick in Kaimuki.
HOPE Services Hawaii has been coordinating Going Home efforts with parishioners on the Big Island and the Pu‘a Foundation is working with parishioners on Maui in a growing Going Home effort there.
The Pu‘a Foundation has developed mentors in a pre-transition course at WCCC and the Federal Detention Center to help the women create a place of healing (pu‘uhonua) and do the life planning necessary to succeed outside prison. According to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, a successful re-entry into the community requires the following essentials: shelter — clean, safe, affordable housing; employment — a livable wage or financial support; and relationships that are healthy and supportive.
During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the parishioners being trained as mentors are also part of the diocesan prison ministry at WCCC, expanding their work to assist prisoners with life building skills and connecting them with resources they will need upon release.
For more information about Going Home Family Retreats, and mentor training, please contact Toni Bissen at the Pu‘a Foundation, toni.bissen@puafoundation.net.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
