Hot off the press. “Open Door. From the Inside Out.” is a must-read!
This is a book published by Communitas Montreal, an organization that uses restorative justice to assist persons who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society.
Launched on Tuesday 21 December 2021, “Open Door. From the Inside Out” is a collection of stories, testimonials and hopes of those who have had the opportunity to serve in this vital ministry and service. My testimonial is below.
“I have been involved with Prison Ministry through my parish, and my husband Robert is very involved. I started realizing that it was not sufficient to go into the prison on visits, and wondered what happens to formerly incarcerated men when they leave prison. They should be supported when returning to society. I went to Open Door to see how that could be managed.
My two favorite memories (were) when I met someone there whom I had accompanied while he was in prison – he was out on an Escorted Temporary Absence. It was such a joy for him to be outside the walls, and for me to have been there to receive him. The second was when I was invited to (do) a presentation on Alzheimer’s disease. I went beyond the facts and gave examples using my expertise. People were really engaged and were able to lay down their fears. Social isolation can lead to dementia, and for incarcerated people this is a significant risk factor. I was able to share the warning signs and that help is available.
For me, Open Door shows a better way of integrating than the practices of CSC and the government. Spending time listening and understanding the challenges of trying to reintegrate – in a non-judgemental way – aligns with a more practical application of faith which can lead to better outcomes. Going to Open Door, being supportive, could lead to a pathway of better rehabilitation both at the government and non-governmental levels.”
Visit www.communitasmontreal.org for more information.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. That’s why glory matters.
Glory Matters 