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May 11, 2023By Carissa Krautscheid
The Arizona State Prison in Tucson recently hosted its Volunteer Appreciation and Awards banquet for the first time in two years. Recognized this year were several ministers from Kolbe Society Prison Ministry, which is a program of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona (CCS).
Sr. Esther Calderon was awarded her 25 year pin.
Fr. Charlie Knapp was awarded his 15 year pin. Fr. Charlie is also celebrating a milestone jubilee of 60 years in the priesthood.
Deacon Mike Gutierrez was awared his 10 year pin. Deacon Mike was also recognized as the Religious Volunteer of the Year for 2022.
"Fr. Charlie and Sr. Esther are two of our most senior volunteers. They have taught me a lot and continue to teach me and other volunteers a lot about serving the least among us," said Deacon Mike, Director of the Kolbe Society.
According to Catholic Community Services, the Kolbe Society, "serves people affected by crime. We support victims, those who are incarcerated, and their families. Our work offers opportunity for accountability, healing, and reconciliation." Working to meet the spiritual needs, "we offer Mass and Communion services within the facilities. We provide pastoral counseling, evangelization, Bible study, religious education, and sacramental preparation."
Deacon Mike shared, "I would also like to recognize the 40+ volunteers, some who have also served for many years, who are ministering in the prisons, jails, and detention centers located in Tucson, Marana, Yuma, Douglas, Safford, Eloy, Florence, and Globe. They commit to one or two days a week to visiting the prisons and jails. If you know someone who is ministering in a prison or jail, please thank them for their dedication and service."
If you would like to be part of Kolbe Society's great team, please contact Deacon Mike at 520-670-0853 or [email protected].