Prison Ministry

Our goal is to minister to those affected by incarceration, advocate for changes to the current criminal justice system, and to mutually share God’s forgiving love.

SECOND CHANCES are EVERYTHING

Our Prison Ministry serves two functions. We try to bring hope and healing to the people in prison, letting them know they are not forgotten and that there is a future outside when their time is done.

Simultaneously, we provide support and care for their families that live with the stigma of incarceration and assist with family needs out of their reach.

Helping the formerly incarcerated individual adjust to new life outside of prison in a positive, functioning way is truly a second chance that serves both the individual and our community as a whole. Recidivism, the tendency for incarcerated individuals to repeat the criminal behavior (and end up back in jail), is high when there is no purpose, no structure, and no hope. By helping the people who specialize in re-entry, we enable people to adjust to normal life in a healthy and safe way. Everyone wins, and it just takes empathy and understanding on our part.

This experiential simulation pictured to the left lets people in the parish experience the strict requirements and frustrations of re-entry. Everyone in the session walks out with a new point of view.

THE WOMEN OF PERRYVILLE ART SHOW

To date, All Saints' has hosted three exhibits of Perryville creativity. The women find hope and purpose in their artwork, and we not only appreciate the beauty but also use sales on the art to purchase more art supplies to keep the program rolling.

EMPOWERING HOPE

BENEFIT CONCERT

Over $2000 was raised at this lovely benefit concert in May 2024 that featured both the Choirs of All Saints' and the Phoenix Women's Chorus. We continually try to find new, fun, and innovative ways to raise money to support the Prison Ministry.

WAYS to SERVE

CARD WRITING

ANGEL TREE

BACKPACK DRIVE

In the Christian tradition, contemplative prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God.

It is an opening of mind and heart, our whole being to God, the Ultimate Mystery,

beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. It is simply resting in the presence of God.

Like all Christian prayer, contemplative prayer is rooted in the word of God in scripture

and in the person of Jesus Christ. Its source is the indwelling Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God in unconditional LOVE takes the initiative in relation to us.

At the same time our desire for God is also God's gift to us.

Centering Prayer

Sunday Mornings 9am

Thursday Evenings 6pm

In the Chapel of the Holy Innocents

The Practice of Centering Prayer familiarizes us with God’s

first language – SILENCE. This method of silent prayer serves to prepare one to receive the gifts of God’s presence. It is simple yet profound in its effects.

The Mystics Study Group

Thursday Evenings 6:30pm

In the Chapel of the Holy Innocents

We use the study of the Mystics throughout history as a guide. These people lived the Contemplative life in search of God’s constant presence. We can learn about deepening our own spiritual lives through their example and testimony. Our first book to read and discuss: The Naked Now, by The Rev. Richard Rohr.

All Saint John’s Bible images used in this website are used with permission by and the property of Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.