Post by Anja on May 31, 2006 9:46:43 GMT -5
The presentation of two recent candidates for confirmation in the Diocese of Florida offered some unique logistical challenges when 2 shackled and handcuffed men approached the Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard accompanied by prison guards. The May 23 confirmation of two inmates on death row was one of a number of events during a visitation to Florida State Prison in Starke.
The study and preparation of the two men was performed by Ben Clance through the food slot into each inmates cell. Mr. Clance, a lay volunteer chaplain from St. Johns Cathedral, Jacksonville, has been ministering weekly to all the men on death row at Florida State Prison for a number of years. The two men who were recently confirmed have been interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church for quite some time.
Following the service of confirmation in the prison chapel, Bishop Howard went to the death row section of the prison to share Eucharist and prayers with other inmates.
Prison ministry is an active pastoral outreach of the Diocese of Florida.
There are some 30 prisons and 30,000 inmates located within the geographic confines of the diocese. This summer the diocese is planning to sponsor a week of summer camp for youth aged 8-12 who have at least 1 parent who is incarcerated. At press time 34 youth were registered for the July 23-27 event.
(source: The Living Church Foundation)
The study and preparation of the two men was performed by Ben Clance through the food slot into each inmates cell. Mr. Clance, a lay volunteer chaplain from St. Johns Cathedral, Jacksonville, has been ministering weekly to all the men on death row at Florida State Prison for a number of years. The two men who were recently confirmed have been interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church for quite some time.
Following the service of confirmation in the prison chapel, Bishop Howard went to the death row section of the prison to share Eucharist and prayers with other inmates.
Prison ministry is an active pastoral outreach of the Diocese of Florida.
There are some 30 prisons and 30,000 inmates located within the geographic confines of the diocese. This summer the diocese is planning to sponsor a week of summer camp for youth aged 8-12 who have at least 1 parent who is incarcerated. At press time 34 youth were registered for the July 23-27 event.
(source: The Living Church Foundation)