Inmates Find Faith through RENEW International

RENEW International has made a real difference in the lives of inmates at Wabash Correctional Facility. In the Diocese of Evansville, the prison houses maximum security prisoners who are led by a director who wanted to improve the way they interacted with one another and felt about themselves. He was searching for an approach which taught them to be more humane and helped enrich them as people. He consulted with the Catholic Chaplain of the facility who inquired of the Adult Faith Formation office if the inmates could participate in the renown program authored by RENEW International, Why Catholic? They were given permission and their involvement began as an informal learning session in the prison library, with a simple prayer table and a group of volunteers.

The group later separated into three small communities, led by both a volunteer and an inmate. The program was managed by an inmate and Sr. Honora Nolty, a member of RENEW International. They learned from faith-sharing materials and gained a greater understanding of the Catechism. Inmates were comforted by the teachings of Jesus Christ and internalized the lessons. They met regularly for prayer sessions and those who participated experienced a true spiritual renewal. Since inmates didn't have access to the Internet, RENEW International gifted bulletins to reach out to the community within Wabash Correctional Facility and provide information to aid them on their Catholic journey. It became a model program which can be followed in similar facilities to help those incarcerated find their faith.