Imagine the disorienting moment a family experiences when they receive the news: a loved one has been incarcerated.
Time seems to stop for both the imprisoned and for their family left behind, both facing uncertain futures fraught with confusion and isolation. In these stressful moments, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Prison Ministry steps in to help, serving as a source of hope and a support system not only for those facing prison, but also for their loved ones, helping all affected navigate new and turbulent waters.
Director of the Archdiocese’s Prison Ministry Program, Deacon Seigfried Presberry, shed light on the unseen struggles of those affected by incarceration at a recent archdiocesan reception. “You never know when the day might come when you get a phone call that one of your loved ones is facing incarceration,” he said.
Deacon Presberry brings a unique perspective to his role, informed by years as a prison corrections officer. His firsthand experiences both inside and outside the prison system drive his dedication to this compassionate ministry.
Highlighting the story of a recently released woman who approached him in the middle of winter without a coat, Deacon Presberry illustrated the profound need that exists. “Many of them [the incarcerated] don’t have anything else, either — no job, money, health insurance, housing, sometimes no family or friends — nothing. And you know the first place they go to when they’re out?” he asked. “To church. Right next to us in our pews, weak and weary and hopeless. Family members you see at Mass have incarcerated loved ones and are suffering, but they’re too afraid to express their pain because of the stigma that comes with that.”
Through counseling, essential services, and the prayers it conveys, Archdiocesan Prison Ministry helps inmates and their families meet and surmount one of life’s most difficult challenges, enabling them to discover clear pathways to hope and new beginnings.
We warmly invite you to view Deacon Presberry’s inspiring message about the transformative power of Prison Ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries is a cornerstone of support for vital archdiocesan initiatives like Prison Ministry. Your generous support for Appeal helps sustain and enhance Prison Ministry and over 100 other life-affirming ministries across Maryland too. Thank you!