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Catholic chaplains in state prisons once spent much of their time with Catholic inmates. But, due to changing demographics and a decrease in Catholic prisoners, they now minister to people from a variety of religions and belief systems.

"It is our responsibility to support the faithful with the liturgy and Bible studies, but you're chaplain to everyone in the building," noted Gerald VanAlstine, chaplain for the Hudson Correctional Facility.

To be sure, Catholic chaplains always have been called to be spiritual directors to those of the same faith, counselor to those of different faiths and friend to all. Today, that work is complicated by prisoners' varying belief systems, state budget cutbacks and the everyday difficulties of chaplaincy.

According to Mark Leonard, retired director of Ministerial, Family and Volunteer Services for the New York State Department of Correctional Services, the number of Catholic inmates peaked in 2003 but has since been steadily dropping.

Interfaith cellblocks
Today, several religions are emerging as majorities in New York State prisons alongside Islam - already on the rise in recent decades - Christianity and Judaism.

More and more inmates adhere to belief systems such as Wicca, Scientology, Rastafarianism and Odinism, a brew of Viking mythology and naturalistic creeds.

Chaplains note that inmates are searching for hope through religious beliefs and many are adopting the beliefs of their peers for community or for some benefit.

For example, many have declared themselves Rastafarians because, by doing so, they are able to grow their hair long - usually against prison rules. Inmates who are Jewish are able to receive sealed kosher meals; because many believe this food is safer than the regular meals, they have adopted Judaism.

The mission of the chaplains was never to convert these inmates of different faiths, but to provide emotional and spiritual support to the inmates of their assigned facilities.

Their goal, as Mr. Leonard explained, "is not to bring about conversion to the Catholic faith so much as to bring about a conversion of heart."

All God's children
The chaplains' presence is important for the prisons because of their ability to preach the Gospel of Christ through their actions. Deacon Miguel Fabian, chaplain at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, explained that simply through supporting the inmates he works with - going to their cells and speaking with them, asking about their lives and being there for them during difficult times - he has seen hearts and lives changed.

"They're at a 'stop sign' in their life," he said; "and they have more time to think. The quiet outreach of being charitable, giving and caring to them in a community teaches them to live the faith."

No matter which religion an inmate follows, each needs the friendship and confidentiality that often appears impossible in prison.

Rev. John Moyna, who serves in the Coxsackie Correctional Facility and is pastor of St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie, said the chaplains become someone the inmates can trust "in an environment where [trust] is almost nonexistent."

Home duty
For fellow Catholics, chaplains provide needed sacramental and spiritual support, as well. They organize weekly liturgies and Bible studies for inmates, many of who enter the facilities unchurched. Inmates set up for Mass, prepare readings and study Scripture, learning in a hands-on manner about their faith.

Mr. VanAlstine explained that inmates have a basic right of religious observance in prison and that chaplains are able to provide that.

However, this ministry comes with its own set of difficulties. In his prison, Mr. VanAlstine prepares inmates to become a part of society again through a reentry program. Deacon Fabian's maximum-security-facility chaplaincy means he must minister to those at the other end of the spectrum: those who do not know when next they will see society, and must therefore work to keep their faith and hope in life alive.

Father Moyna, who works as chaplain for the Regional Medical Units, must often minister to those dealing with illness or walk them through their final days of life.

Despite this, none of the chaplains said they would give up their ministry. Deacon Fabian shared that his chaplaincy has given him a glimpse of what it is like to be incarcerated and without family or friends. He said it has taught him to be a better person and to know how to better take care of his family.

Mr. VanAlstine feels the same way. No matter what kind of day or week he's had at the prison, he says he gives thanks. He always drives in and away praying the same thing: "God, you made it such a rich day; what did I do to deserve this?"

(06/17/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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