The Rev. Pat Cook (St. Christopher's in Bluff) and I continue with the Ministry to the Incarcerated in the Monticello facility. The late Fr. Charles McCormick began this ministry over 25 years ago here, and it has now become an active ministry throughout the Utah Diocese.
We held over 40 services at San Juan this year and our attendance was 378. We also performed three baptisms and three confirmations. The congregation has applied to the Diocese for mission status as St. Dismas, the patron saint of prisoners. St. Dismas was one of the men who was crucified along with Jesus.
Fr. Ivan and I gave out Christmas fruit bags again this year, and if you could only see the smiles on the faces and the appreciation that these men give back, it would move you to tears. What a wonderful outreach we as a congregation provide. Thanks to all you donated yarn and a special thanks to those of you who bought Christmas gifts for their families and children.
I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve these men. Without your compassion, generosity, and support it would not be possible.
-Fr. Dave
*St. Francis has established the Father Charlie Scholarship Foundation to provide scholarships to prison inmates. The foundation is named after Fr. Charlie McCormick, a former priest at St. Francis who devoted his life to serving inmates. One of the most important ways of doing this was to encourage inmates to get an education while they were in prison. We at St. Francis believe that one of the ways we can honor the memory of Fr. Charlie is to help continue his work.
St. Francis is seeking donations to the scholarship fund. All donations are tax deductible with 100% of the monies going for scholarships.
