By Diane Anderson, Coordinator of Restorative Ministry, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

First and foremost, my role as the Coordinator of Prison (Restorative) Ministry is to be someone the inmates at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre (SCC) can reach out to. They need the space to talk and to be heard without judgment. I listen to their stories of hurt and struggles in their life.

I listen first and then try to offer different options for them to try to make changes in their life. I always tell them that “baby steps” take us further in life, rather than “charging at it.” I talk to them about how our life stories impact who we are in life. When we grow up in negativity and alcohol or drugs, we follow what we see to bury our pain.

Through a program called Reborn in the Spirit, the men are led through a process of reflection and discovery, where they learn how past woundedness impacts the way they live in the outside world. It is a gift for me to able to witness the transformation that happens in this program. The men begin to understand that we are human, we are not perfect, and we make mistakes. They discover the importance of forgiving ourselves and asking the Creator for forgiveness and then leaving it with Him.

I smudge with them and pray with them to let them know they are never alone. I encourage them to find the One who loves us always. I teach them to follow the medicine wheel and show them how it keeps us balanced and why it’s important to be aware of our spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well being. We regularly have “spiritual days,” which are gatherings where the inmates learn to pray.

Support doesn’t end when I leave the Correction Centre. I journey outside of SCC with those who have been released and still need support along with their families, during the transition period. Sometimes, I even go to court with them for moral support if they ask me.

What the inmates are saying after Reborn in the Spirit:

• “I feel complete because when I started I never felt whole. It gives me a reason to look forward. I want a better future for myself.”
• “I was able to open up about my past and not be judged by the facilitator or the other participants.”
• “I feel like I remember who I am and why I’m alive on this earth. It made me open my eyes to being what and who I want to be.”

The Office of Restorative (Prison) Ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is supported by donations to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Dianne Anderson has served as diocesan coordinator of Prison Ministry for 20 years. She provides pastoral outreach at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, offering support, prayer and healing to inmates, families, and victims.

As Elder at Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish in Saskatoon, Anderson also provides grief workshops and other spiritual programming. She is also available to work with parishes and volunteers, as part of an ongoing journey toward becoming an accepting, connected community.

To learn more, to request a parish presentation, or to volunteer with the Office of Restorative Ministry, contact Dianne Anderson at: danderson@rcdos.ca or 306-659-5845

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[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Marilyn Jackson’s regular “Fuel Up Friday” e-mail series in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – to subscribe, contact diocesan Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca]

Restorative (Prison) Ministry and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa