Kolbe Society Brings Joy to People Recently Released from Prison

By Carissa Krautscheid

Each year before Christmas, Catholic Community Service’s Kolbe Society prison ministry provides Christmas cheer and joy to people who have recently been released from prison. Volunteers bake and bag cookies which are then delivered to the Christ for Disciples Transitional Houses. Participants sing Christmas carols as a way of sharing the joy of Christ with those who perhaps best understand the power of redemptive mercy.

Deacon Mike Gutierrez is the director of the Kolbe Society and has been ministering to prisoners for many years. 

“We work to meet the spiritual needs of men, women, and youth in prisons, jails, and detention centers in the Diocese of Tucson,” says the CCS website. “Priests, deacons, religious and lay people offer Mass and Communion services within the facilities. We also provide pastoral counseling, evangelization, Bible study, religious education, and sacramental preparation.

“To help keep families connected, we provide a monthly shuttle to prisons outside of the city of Tucson. We also assist victims of crime through prayer, support, and healing services.

“Our volunteer mentors work with those who are released from incarceration. They accompany parolees as they rebuild their lives – coordinating Social Security, employment, transportation, and more. These efforts support a successful transition into the community and reduce recidivism.”

The Kolbe Society lives Jesus’ commission to visit the imprisoned and embrace the stranger. Every day, they see the life-changing reality of the Spiritual Works of Mercy: counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinner with compassion, forgive injuries, and bear wrongs patiently. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that “people in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.”

Every single one of us has benefitted from the Lord’s generous and radical mercy. As Catholics, we know that there is always time for redemption. As long as we’re living, we each have the opportunity for conversion, repentance, and forgiveness. The Father waits for each prodigal son and daughter to come home. 

The Kolbe Society walks alongside our brothers and sisters who are in need of prayer, ministry, and forgiveness.

Kolbe Society