Kairos Prison Ministry

Description:

Kairos Prison Ministry addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated women, men, and their families.  At Dayton Correctional Institute we work only with women. It is based on the Cursillo movement and provides an opportunity for volunteers to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Christ.  This impacts the hearts and lives of the people incarcerated to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. For many it creates the desire to become a Christian or for others to continue their spiritual growth.

Activities & Events:

Twice yearly there is a Kairos 3 ½ day weekend retreat inside the prison.  This is a highly structured program whereby resident participants realize love and forgiveness are a reality for them and they learn to build Christian community. There are weekly “prayer and share” accountability groups to foster that community.  There are monthly reunions to support and encourage the residents in their life in Christ. There are twice yearly 1 day retreats given in the prison for residents who have previously attended a Kairos weekend.   

Time Commitment:

Volunteers commit for each individual weekend which is 3 ½ days, Thursday – Sunday.  When serving on a team there are 4-6 Saturdays for team formation. Responsibilities of team members are obtaining cookies, prayers, and money to support the weekend, writing 36 individual letters of hope and encouragement to the new resident participants.  Monthly reunions are the 1st Thursday of the month, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Twice yearly In January and June is a 6 hour retreat on a Saturday for those who have attended a weekend.

Helpful Attributes:

Helpful attributes are a desire to bring the love of Christ to those who are imprisoned;  a recognition that those imprisoned are Christ’s beloved daughters; adopting a loving, non-judgmental attitude toward persons incarcerated.

Contact:

Mary Jane Nielsen

pnielsen@woh.rr.com

937-885-3782