Visiting the Prisoner  
   In Scripture, Jesus shares with his disciples that there will be a final judgement and its criterion will
be the deeds of mercy that have been done for
the least of his brothers. These corporal works of
mercy not only include providing resources like
food, shelter, and drink, but also include personal
presence, such as visiting the sick and imprisoned.
Ministry of the incarcerated is one example of 
mercy in motion.
    Since 2011, Chris Kerstiens, OFM, has felt called to serve the members of the Body of Christ that are imprisoned. Fr. Chris did not always feel this way.
He admitted that it was only after he realized the great need that he was willing to face his fear. Now after spending time with the incarcerated through retreats, Bible studies, one-on-one sessions, and Sacraments, he not only enjoys it but describes it as his passion. "There is a stereotype that inmates are inhumane, but every prisoner, even violent offenders, have a large degree of humanity about them." Fr. Chris shared that an unfortunate but common theme in many inmates lives is a deep level of childhood trauma. Many inmates grew up in unpredictable environments where they felt constantly unsafe. This ongoing psychological and
emotional trauma often causes post traumatic stress disorder. Knowing about the inmates' backgrounds and challenges offers a framework for Fr. Chris to minister in a way that is adapted to their needs. It is crucial for ministry of the incarcerated to be reliable and consistent. "It is important, as a Franciscan, that I work very directly with inmates. I not only celebrate Mass and hear confessions, but it
is also through my personal interactions with them and from being seen." Fr. Chris hopes that in the future more ministers, including Catholic and non- Catholic alike, will get more involved with our incarcerated brothers and sisters.

Encuentro
Shortly after the historic New Mexico State Penitentiary riot in 1980, a corrections officer, Andy Carrillo, was inspired to bring the Curcillo movement to local prisons. As the retreat was adapted for the needs of the incarcerated, it became a new
movement, named Encuentro, and it spread throughout New Mexico. Encuentro is the only program in the nation that provides an off-site 4-day retreat for approved inmates. Encuentro has led to a decrease in recidivism. "Inmates have a certain
experience that is life changing enough that most who do Encuentro, never set
foot again in a prison." The retreat emphasizes: sharing personal stories, making new positive changes, reconciliation among relationships, utilizing available resources, drug and alcohol addictions, and interacting with other inmates. Most importantly, the retreat emphasizes the message of grace, mercy, and God's love.
   This past October, 33 inmates from the Central New Mexico Correctional
Facility participated in Encuentro. These inmates responded to a personal invitation from their peers, who are other inmates that previously attended the retreat. It was a grace-filled experience for those in attendance, and many shared positive testimonies at the conclusion on the retreat. We continue to pray for the Encuentro program that it may continue to lead inmates to experience God's mercy and love.


Fr. Chris Kerstiens