DeNada
10-08-2004, 03:47 PM
St. Ignatius Catholic Community
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Bethany - Prison Ministry
BETHANY MISSION
Bethany is a Ministry of presence designed to provide the opportunity for inmates to fellowship with persons from outside the USDB in a religious environment, to show the inmates that they are loved, to nurture their faith and foster healthy relationship with others and with God, and to ease their re-entry into society. Our Bethany ministry is so named in the spirit of the biblical town, Bethany. It was there, when the trials of life required a brief retreat in order to renew, that our Lord Jesus went. It was there our Lord drew on the love and support of his friends at that biblical town. We try to foster that same "spiritual oasis" for the inmates who come to our Bethany fellowship.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an environment which fosters healthy relationships with others, spiritual healing, and character development of participating inmates to bring Christ into the USDB.
GOALS
TO FOSTER:
1. TRUST: To show inmates that they should be trustworthy and can, should, and ultimately must trust others if they will ever be "free". Some may never have trusted anyone before and their current environment does not always foster trust. Since trust is the basis of any true relationship, they need to experience and understand it.
2. SUPPORT: To provide emotional and spiritual support through listening, praying, and fellowship. To give them people other than fellow inmates to talk to in an unofficial capacity. To allow them to experience and foster loving relationships.
3. EXAMPLE: To provide an example of Christ-centered living for the inmates to witness and emulate. While all have had good examples in their lives, many did not understand the examples. Everyone sins and must ask for God's forgiveness and help to become a better person.
4. COMMUNITY: To show the inmates the importance of belonging and the responsibilities that go with it. These include commitment, trust, support, and to be honest with others and yourself. To show that to serve others is more rewarding than to be served.
5. ACCEPTANCE: To show the inmates that they are loved and accepted right now, to encourage them to love themselves, and to motivate them to become more lovable. Once they feel this love, it is easier to understand God's love for them and to ask for his forgiveness and help in becoming a better person. It should be brought out that society might not immediately welcome them into their communities when they are released.
A FINAL THOUGHT: Most inmates are returned to society. The better prepared they are for this tremendous change, the better off they and society will be.
HISTORY
The Bethany program at the USDB in Ft Leavenworth, KS began in late 1979, encouraged and nurtured by Father Bertrand Samsa the then military Catholic chaplain at the USDB. The concept was for the Outside Team, comprised of several young officers and their spouses who had recently been assigned to Ft Leavenworth from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in New York, to put on a three-day retreat called Residents Encounter Christ (REC). (These officers who had been assigned to Ft. Leavenworth were bringing from West Point their experience in the Teenagers Encounter Christ (TEC) program). Then following the REC, a continuing Sunday evening fellowship would occur, which could keep the "fires" of the REC burning. Then on an annual basis, a REC would be held which would introduce new inmates to Christ and to Bethany [Significant is that Residents Encounter Christ (REC) was begun in 1972, and continues to this day, in NY prisons. REC was borne of another Christian Ministry program; Teenagers Encounter Christ (TEC), initiated in Andover, MA a year prior in 1971.] In April of 1980, the USDB held REC #1.
The outside team members are, with few exceptions, Catholic men and women, primarily active duty officers and NCOs and their spouses. Several retired military members have stayed on as an integral continuity element for the outside presence, which is particularly critical over the summer months when the Active Army PCS's occur. From the outset of Bethany at the USDB, we have had civilian priest and laity involvement by those Christian brothers and sisters who live in the greater Leavenworth area, ( i.e., Kansas City).
Traditions and Procedures
1. DESCRIPTION OF SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP:
Sunday Fellowship begins at approximately 1800 hours at the USDB main entrance. Bethany outside members arrive and check in at the guard desk. They present a photo form of identification that is checked against the roster and then are given a red badge pass. The group (Bethany as well as the other denominational groups) is then escorted to the chapel area. The normal gathering time is 1830 hours. After 20-25 minutes of socializing with the inmates, the speaker begins the formal portion with song and a prayer. After the opening prayer, any new people to Bethany are asked to introduce themselves and say a little about themselves. The speaker then gives the presentation. The topics are varied and are focused on some aspect of Christ working in our lives. At the end of the talk, time is allotted for discussion of good news and any prayer requests. The group then says a closing prayer. If someone is leaving, the Bethany group sings, "Wherever You Go". If there is time left over it is devoted to conversation. The evening in the chapel ends at around 2000 hours and all outside members exit the chapel at the same time. After linking up with the other denominational groups in the hallway, the group is escorted back to the main gate. Normal exit time from the USDB is 2015 hours.
2. OUTSIDE TEAM TRADITIONS:
1. Pre-Bethany Meeting
Just prior to the Outside members going into the USDB (about 1814 hr.) those present join hands and are lead in prayer by the speaker for the evening. Frequently we are joined by the other Christian prison ministers who are waiting and we should invite them to join us in prayer if convenient.
2. After Bethany Meeting
It is traditional for the outside team members to meet at the Main Post Chapel following the weekly Sunday Bethany meeting. Whichever member had responsibility for the program that evening has responsibility for facilitating the after Bethany meeting. This includes:
1. Opening prayer
2. Confirmation of the following week's speaker and person bringing refreshments
3. Discussion of any inmate prayer concerns or situations
4. Discussion of upcoming events (REC, Team Retreat, etc)
5. Discussion of any group issues or concerns
6. Closing Prayer
This after Bethany meeting lasts about 30 - 45 minutes or less. It is an opportunity for those participating in the ministry to become better acquainted with one another and to form "family" or community (the same aim as with the larger Bethany community).
3. Bethany "Community" Building
As frequently as possible during the year, the outside team will meet with the purpose of forming a closer community. These meetings are at the initiative of the group members and will not happen otherwise. These meetings take the form of:
1. Day retreats
2. Social gatherings
3. "Business" meetings to discuss matters that requires input from all members
3. USDB AND OTHER RULES:
All new Bethany members must go through a discernment process before they commit to becoming part of the Bethany prison ministry team. This discernment includes: an introductory explanation of the Bethany ministry by active members of the ministry; visits to the Bethany fellowship meetings inside the USDB to see and experience first-hand what Bethany is; and then personal prayer and introspection to determine if the ministry is suited for them and if they are suited for the ministry. Once this period of discernment leads individuals to become members of Bethany, they must receive volunteer training and certification from the USDB. This annual training will introduce Bethany members to the USDB and to the inmate demographics. Also there will be an explanation of both the USDB and the Director of Pastoral Care (DPC) rules and regulations that all volunteers within the USDB must follow. At the completion of this training each individual must be photographed and must sign a form confirming they understand the USDB regulations and will comply with the standards of conduct contained in USDB Regulations 600-50 and 190-10. The Bethany ministers will be certified, be put on a permanent USDB Bethany roster and permitted to receive a "Picture" Badge or "Red" Badge to enter the Sunday Bethany meeting or other special events.
The Bethany outside membership should be comprised of married members or single male members. (Single females have proven to be vulnerable to male inmates.) Exceptions to this rule have been and may in the future be granted by the approval of the DPC chaplain or the St. Ignatius parish priest.
A. OUTSIDE TEAM
The Bethany members from outside the USDB are open minded and openhearted individuals willing to share Christ's message of acceptance, love and forgiveness to the "DB" inmates. Outside team membership is open to all Christians who will commit to the Bethany purpose and objectives and be dedicated to being present to the inmates, Emphasis has been to form the outside team from active duty military and their spouses associated with Ft. Leavenworth.
B. INSIDE TEAM (INMATES)
The inmate population in the USDB is unique. Almost all of the inmates are first-time offenders because most inmates are discharges from the military as part of their sentence. They are relatively well educated in comparison to inmates in most maximum-security prisons; most have high school diplomas and many have or are pursuing college degrees. It is simplistic to talk about a typical profile of a DB inmate, as the USDB houses service members convicted of a wide variety of crimes under greatly different circumstances. The average prisoner is serving a sentence of 13 years and the majority has received punitive discharges. Most of the prisoners are soldiers, but there are some sailors, marines and a few members of the Air Force. Since 1999 only male inmates are confined in the USDB.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL. Just as the offense the inmate was convicted is immaterial to Bethany's ministry, so is the inmate's denomination. Many of those who regularly attend Bethany meetings are Catholics, and most are Christians. There is a great diversity, however, in the intensity of belief and doctrinal adherence; some are merely searching or are drawn to an accepting, spiritual environment.
Bethany's programs do not focus on doctrinal matters--nor do they
hard-sell Catholicism. The focus of the Bethany ministry is simply the
answering of Christ's admonition to we Christians to visit and be present
to the prisoner.
The Bethany ministry is in direct support of the Director of Pastoral Care (DPC) of the USDB, and supported primarily by the USDB Catholic Chaplain and St. Dismas Parish, the Catholic parish within the walls.
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Bethany - Prison Ministry
BETHANY MISSION
Bethany is a Ministry of presence designed to provide the opportunity for inmates to fellowship with persons from outside the USDB in a religious environment, to show the inmates that they are loved, to nurture their faith and foster healthy relationship with others and with God, and to ease their re-entry into society. Our Bethany ministry is so named in the spirit of the biblical town, Bethany. It was there, when the trials of life required a brief retreat in order to renew, that our Lord Jesus went. It was there our Lord drew on the love and support of his friends at that biblical town. We try to foster that same "spiritual oasis" for the inmates who come to our Bethany fellowship.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an environment which fosters healthy relationships with others, spiritual healing, and character development of participating inmates to bring Christ into the USDB.
GOALS
TO FOSTER:
1. TRUST: To show inmates that they should be trustworthy and can, should, and ultimately must trust others if they will ever be "free". Some may never have trusted anyone before and their current environment does not always foster trust. Since trust is the basis of any true relationship, they need to experience and understand it.
2. SUPPORT: To provide emotional and spiritual support through listening, praying, and fellowship. To give them people other than fellow inmates to talk to in an unofficial capacity. To allow them to experience and foster loving relationships.
3. EXAMPLE: To provide an example of Christ-centered living for the inmates to witness and emulate. While all have had good examples in their lives, many did not understand the examples. Everyone sins and must ask for God's forgiveness and help to become a better person.
4. COMMUNITY: To show the inmates the importance of belonging and the responsibilities that go with it. These include commitment, trust, support, and to be honest with others and yourself. To show that to serve others is more rewarding than to be served.
5. ACCEPTANCE: To show the inmates that they are loved and accepted right now, to encourage them to love themselves, and to motivate them to become more lovable. Once they feel this love, it is easier to understand God's love for them and to ask for his forgiveness and help in becoming a better person. It should be brought out that society might not immediately welcome them into their communities when they are released.
A FINAL THOUGHT: Most inmates are returned to society. The better prepared they are for this tremendous change, the better off they and society will be.
HISTORY
The Bethany program at the USDB in Ft Leavenworth, KS began in late 1979, encouraged and nurtured by Father Bertrand Samsa the then military Catholic chaplain at the USDB. The concept was for the Outside Team, comprised of several young officers and their spouses who had recently been assigned to Ft Leavenworth from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in New York, to put on a three-day retreat called Residents Encounter Christ (REC). (These officers who had been assigned to Ft. Leavenworth were bringing from West Point their experience in the Teenagers Encounter Christ (TEC) program). Then following the REC, a continuing Sunday evening fellowship would occur, which could keep the "fires" of the REC burning. Then on an annual basis, a REC would be held which would introduce new inmates to Christ and to Bethany [Significant is that Residents Encounter Christ (REC) was begun in 1972, and continues to this day, in NY prisons. REC was borne of another Christian Ministry program; Teenagers Encounter Christ (TEC), initiated in Andover, MA a year prior in 1971.] In April of 1980, the USDB held REC #1.
The outside team members are, with few exceptions, Catholic men and women, primarily active duty officers and NCOs and their spouses. Several retired military members have stayed on as an integral continuity element for the outside presence, which is particularly critical over the summer months when the Active Army PCS's occur. From the outset of Bethany at the USDB, we have had civilian priest and laity involvement by those Christian brothers and sisters who live in the greater Leavenworth area, ( i.e., Kansas City).
Traditions and Procedures
1. DESCRIPTION OF SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP:
Sunday Fellowship begins at approximately 1800 hours at the USDB main entrance. Bethany outside members arrive and check in at the guard desk. They present a photo form of identification that is checked against the roster and then are given a red badge pass. The group (Bethany as well as the other denominational groups) is then escorted to the chapel area. The normal gathering time is 1830 hours. After 20-25 minutes of socializing with the inmates, the speaker begins the formal portion with song and a prayer. After the opening prayer, any new people to Bethany are asked to introduce themselves and say a little about themselves. The speaker then gives the presentation. The topics are varied and are focused on some aspect of Christ working in our lives. At the end of the talk, time is allotted for discussion of good news and any prayer requests. The group then says a closing prayer. If someone is leaving, the Bethany group sings, "Wherever You Go". If there is time left over it is devoted to conversation. The evening in the chapel ends at around 2000 hours and all outside members exit the chapel at the same time. After linking up with the other denominational groups in the hallway, the group is escorted back to the main gate. Normal exit time from the USDB is 2015 hours.
2. OUTSIDE TEAM TRADITIONS:
1. Pre-Bethany Meeting
Just prior to the Outside members going into the USDB (about 1814 hr.) those present join hands and are lead in prayer by the speaker for the evening. Frequently we are joined by the other Christian prison ministers who are waiting and we should invite them to join us in prayer if convenient.
2. After Bethany Meeting
It is traditional for the outside team members to meet at the Main Post Chapel following the weekly Sunday Bethany meeting. Whichever member had responsibility for the program that evening has responsibility for facilitating the after Bethany meeting. This includes:
1. Opening prayer
2. Confirmation of the following week's speaker and person bringing refreshments
3. Discussion of any inmate prayer concerns or situations
4. Discussion of upcoming events (REC, Team Retreat, etc)
5. Discussion of any group issues or concerns
6. Closing Prayer
This after Bethany meeting lasts about 30 - 45 minutes or less. It is an opportunity for those participating in the ministry to become better acquainted with one another and to form "family" or community (the same aim as with the larger Bethany community).
3. Bethany "Community" Building
As frequently as possible during the year, the outside team will meet with the purpose of forming a closer community. These meetings are at the initiative of the group members and will not happen otherwise. These meetings take the form of:
1. Day retreats
2. Social gatherings
3. "Business" meetings to discuss matters that requires input from all members
3. USDB AND OTHER RULES:
All new Bethany members must go through a discernment process before they commit to becoming part of the Bethany prison ministry team. This discernment includes: an introductory explanation of the Bethany ministry by active members of the ministry; visits to the Bethany fellowship meetings inside the USDB to see and experience first-hand what Bethany is; and then personal prayer and introspection to determine if the ministry is suited for them and if they are suited for the ministry. Once this period of discernment leads individuals to become members of Bethany, they must receive volunteer training and certification from the USDB. This annual training will introduce Bethany members to the USDB and to the inmate demographics. Also there will be an explanation of both the USDB and the Director of Pastoral Care (DPC) rules and regulations that all volunteers within the USDB must follow. At the completion of this training each individual must be photographed and must sign a form confirming they understand the USDB regulations and will comply with the standards of conduct contained in USDB Regulations 600-50 and 190-10. The Bethany ministers will be certified, be put on a permanent USDB Bethany roster and permitted to receive a "Picture" Badge or "Red" Badge to enter the Sunday Bethany meeting or other special events.
The Bethany outside membership should be comprised of married members or single male members. (Single females have proven to be vulnerable to male inmates.) Exceptions to this rule have been and may in the future be granted by the approval of the DPC chaplain or the St. Ignatius parish priest.
A. OUTSIDE TEAM
The Bethany members from outside the USDB are open minded and openhearted individuals willing to share Christ's message of acceptance, love and forgiveness to the "DB" inmates. Outside team membership is open to all Christians who will commit to the Bethany purpose and objectives and be dedicated to being present to the inmates, Emphasis has been to form the outside team from active duty military and their spouses associated with Ft. Leavenworth.
B. INSIDE TEAM (INMATES)
The inmate population in the USDB is unique. Almost all of the inmates are first-time offenders because most inmates are discharges from the military as part of their sentence. They are relatively well educated in comparison to inmates in most maximum-security prisons; most have high school diplomas and many have or are pursuing college degrees. It is simplistic to talk about a typical profile of a DB inmate, as the USDB houses service members convicted of a wide variety of crimes under greatly different circumstances. The average prisoner is serving a sentence of 13 years and the majority has received punitive discharges. Most of the prisoners are soldiers, but there are some sailors, marines and a few members of the Air Force. Since 1999 only male inmates are confined in the USDB.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL. Just as the offense the inmate was convicted is immaterial to Bethany's ministry, so is the inmate's denomination. Many of those who regularly attend Bethany meetings are Catholics, and most are Christians. There is a great diversity, however, in the intensity of belief and doctrinal adherence; some are merely searching or are drawn to an accepting, spiritual environment.
Bethany's programs do not focus on doctrinal matters--nor do they
hard-sell Catholicism. The focus of the Bethany ministry is simply the
answering of Christ's admonition to we Christians to visit and be present
to the prisoner.
The Bethany ministry is in direct support of the Director of Pastoral Care (DPC) of the USDB, and supported primarily by the USDB Catholic Chaplain and St. Dismas Parish, the Catholic parish within the walls.