The men and women volunteers who enter the jails and prisons scattered throughout the Diocese of Venice serve a crucial role to a segment of society that is too commonly dismissed and forgotten.
Prison outreach volunteers were recognized for their work by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a Mass of Appreciation on Nov. 22, 2024, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte. The outreach provides a variety of services, including Bible study, religious education and assistance with receiving the sacraments such as Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Bishop Dewane, who celebrated Mass for the volunteers, praised the group for responding to answer a specific call from God, that of serving the incarcerated, those who are often marginalized or forgotten by society.
“The Diocese is blessed that the Lord has put you volunteers there to serve in a particular way for those men and women who need it the most,” Bishop Dewane said. “The incarcerated have value. All of us who go into the jails and prisons find the image and likeness of God in those whom we encounter. It isn’t just a feel-good mission. We each go in as instruments of the Lord and take it from there.”
Bishop Dewane, who celebrates Mass at jails and prisons within the Diocese of Venice multiple times each year, said the volunteers who participate in prison outreach touch the heart of the incarcerated because they talk to them about the Lord.
“God put you where you need to be, and for that, I am grateful,” the Bishop said.
The Bishop, who admitted being nervous during his first prison visit while working in Rome, said each encounter has a personal impact on him. When celebrating the Mass for the incarcerated, Bishop Dewane said he knows he is bringing the forgiveness, mercy, compassion, peace, love and joy of the Lord to others.
Since his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese in 2006, Bishop Dewane has conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Baptism for dozens of inmates. In April and June of this year the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on two groups of inmates at Avon Park Correction Institute in Avon Park, and also in June for a group at DeSoto Correctional Institute in Arcadia.
Following the Mass for volunteers, a luncheon was held in the Parish Hall. The volunteers heard from Florida Department of Corrections State Chaplain Johnny Frambo who updated everyone on the positive impacts of their ministry.
Diocesan Prison Outreach Co-Coordinators Bob Hiniker and Joe Mallof also provided updates and the good news that programs to support the incarcerated are expanding, including a re-entry program and the expansion of digital classes and resources.
Hiniker read a letter from one inmate from DeSoto Correctional Institute who expressed the thoughts of the many who are uplifted by the prison outreach volunteers. “You show us that there are people out there who care… This is more amplified during the holiday season when family cannot take time out to visit their incarcerated loved ones. I wanted to let all the volunteers know how important they are to the men here and how much of an impact they are making. Thank you, and God Bless You!”
At DeSoto Correctional Institute in Arcadia, there is a weekly Mass with more than 50 in attendance. This Mass includes viewing the TV Mass for the Homebound produced by the Diocese Department of Communications, as well as reflections on the readings.
Within the Diocese, there are currently 20 priests, five deacons and 120 laity who volunteer in prison outreach in 10 county jails, five state prisons and one civil commitment facility. The Prison Ministry of the Diocese is under the guidance of the Office of Evangelization.
During the program, Hiniker and Mallof presented Bishop Dewane with a crystal cross, a token of recognition for his unfailing support of the Prison Outreach program. Similarly, a crystal cross was presented to Johnny Frambo, who will be retiring from his position as State Chaplain in early 2025.
There are approximately 15,000 men and women incarcerated within the Diocese and new volunteers are needed. All volunteers participate in an orientation program before entering a correctional facility and “shadow” experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the Diocesan Prison Outreach, or perhaps becoming a volunteer, please contact Bob Hiniker at hinbob5@hotmail.com or Joe Mallof at mallofjt@comcast.net.
