Care for prisoners and their families

29 December 19970 Comments

The lecture focuses on prison ministry and the care of prisoners and their families within the Church’s service, emphasizing compassion, organization, and teamwork so the Church can effectively support this marginalized group.

1. The Concept of Prison Care

Pope Shenouda III explains that prison ministry includes two main parts:

Caring for the prisoner during imprisonment and before and after judgment.
Caring for the prisoner’s family emotionally, socially, and financially.

2. The Importance of Spiritual Service

The lecture stresses that the Church enters prisons with the light of Christ to offer hope, spiritual support, and faith teaching that help prisoners repent and return to a new life after release.

3. Human and Practical Needs

Pope Shenouda III indicates the importance of providing material needs such as clothing, blankets, permitted food, and spiritual books, while respecting the regulations of the prison system.

4. Organizing and Developing the Ministry

The lecture emphasizes the need for coordination between churches, care committees, and priests so the service is not random, but based on a clear and fair plan that benefits all.

5. Caring for Families

Pope Shenouda III emphasizes not waiting for families to request help; rather, the Church must take initiative, visit their homes, and identify real needs, especially for families of poor inmates.

6. Challenges Inside Prisons

The lecture discusses difficulties such as poverty, addiction, medical eyeglasses, education inside prisons, and the Church’s role in supporting without breaking rules or allowing misuse of donations.