Prison Ministry
An ordained priest, serving prisons east of I-75 leads this ministry. Duties involve celebrating weekly Eucharist inside two prisons, serving on Kairos teams in three prisons, teaching Bible studies, mentoring inmates, teaching confirmation classes, performing pastoral duties to the incarcerated and implementing an Alpha team to lead classes in the Columbia Correctional Annex, Lake City, Florida. The components of the Prison Mission are described below:
EUCHARISTIC VISITOR: Serves inmates confined to close management and Death Row. Duties involve bringing an Episcopal presence to inmates at Florida State Prison - a close management and psychiatric facility which houses death row. Duties involve weekly cell front visits, administering the reserve sacrament, performing baptisms and instruction for confirmation. Training and directing team visits for the first and/or second Saturday of each month are available for those who are interested.
KAIROS: (Pronounced KIGH.rahs) A lay led Christian ministry, which conducts a highly structured program designed for use in male and female correctional institutions. During the weekend, participants are given the opportunity to experience a religious renewal, accepting God's call to a life of Christian witness and service to one another during their stay in the institution and beyond. After the weekend, participants are encouraged to establish strong Christian communities within their institution. Church members can serve on a team that enters the institution, or they can offer support through prayer, Christian posters, cookies, and financial support.
KAIROS OUTSIDE: An ecumenical, Christian ministry for women who have been affected by the imprisonment of a loved one. A Kairos Outside weekend is similar to a Cursillo weekend but with modifications to meet the special needs of the participants.
ANGEL TREE
Angel Tree is a unique ministry that gives our St. John's family the opportunity to share Christ's love by helping to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners. It is a powerful way for our community to lovingly answer the biblical call to minister to the least of these. Angel Tree Christmas works by connecting parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts purchased by members of participating congregations. The gifts are given on behalf of the prisoner-parent in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. We are the hands and feet of the prisoner- parents to help them reach out to their children. Angel Tree Christmas is about strengthening parent – child relationships, not just about Christmas gifts. Children are delighted by an unexpected reminder of their absent mom or dad, and parents in prison are deeply moved to know that their children are cared for in this special way. For more information visit Angel Tree.