Training for Detention Ministry
Initial Training
This component is designed to meet the needs of the volunteer just starting out in detention ministry. It is a two-day program offered three times annually. Attendance at both days is necessary for certification.
Day 1
The first day consists of an overview and rationale for detention ministry. The day begins with prayer followed by various presentations.
- Spirituality of Detention Ministry. A presentation of the vision and mission of our ministry.
- A World within a World. An explanation of the ministerial landscape of a detention facility.
- Voices of Reconciliation. A panel of people affected by the criminal justice system including formerly incarcerated, victims, and their families.
- Responding to the Call. A process of reflection and discernment extending from the "Voices of Reconciliation"
Day 2
This day centers on ministry skills and includes processes presented as a means to deepen our faith life and to recognize the Loving God and the sacredness of the concept of God's unconditional love for all.
- Pastoral Visiting: Being a Healing Presence. An exploration of what needs to be healed for the incarcerated and how we facilitate healing in a detention environment.
- Pastoral Visiting: One-on-One. Identifies the tools and skills needed for pastoral visiting in a detention setting.
- Images of God. A look at the images of God in the life and experiences of those who are incarcerated.
- The Unconditional Love of God Dwelling Within Us. A process by which we reflect on our own experience of God's love for us and how we share that with others.
Advanced Training
Ongoing formation is a means for volunteers to continue their spiritual as well as ministerial development. This of great importance to the volunteer who has made the commitment to remain in solidarity with the poor and oppressed who incarcerated.
Advance Training Specializations are two-day events and attendance and to both days is necessary for certification.
Please note that attendance at Advanced Training is by invitation only from the Chaplain.
Sacramental Preparation
This training is open to those who are involved in preparing detainees to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Day 1
- Background and Theological Grounding. An in-depth look at the population we serve, their unique needs and relationship to the Church and God.
- Scope and Sequence. An examination of the sessions, how they relate to each other and the place and importance of Rituals.
- Nuts and Bolts. A close look at Shared Christian Praxis and its application.
Day 2
- Practicum. An opportunity for participants to plan a session to be done either in a One-on-One or small group setting. A presentation of an actual session.
- Rituals. A discussion on the rituals included in the process, their practical application and how they relate to the sessions.
- Policies and Procedures. Cross-referenced with Canon Law, this session outlines clear policies for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as well as defines the procedures and policies of the the Office of Detention Ministry in regards to sacramental preparation in a detention facility.
Pastoral Visiting: One-on-One
Day 1
- Pastoral Visiting: One-on-One
- Role of the Visitor
- Visiting Skills
- Pastoral Practicum
Day 2
- Review of Skills
- Ethical Issues
- Self Care
Presider Training
Many times, institutions may not have priests available for their regular Mass schedules. This may be in part to the unavailability of priests or the sheer number of services required (as demanded by the size of the Institution's population). Under these circumstances, Lay Chaplains and Volunteers are called upon to preside at Communion Services. This training is designed for the Volunteer or Chaplain who plans to preside at Communion Services.
Day 1
An experience of the ritual will begin the day. Topics covered included are.
- Eucharistic Theology in a Detention Setting. A model Communion Service conducted and critiqued by the participants
- Liturgical Guidelines
- The Qualities of a Presider
- The Liturgical Year. Participants are led through the Liturgical Calendar
- How to Prepare a Reflection. Focuses on "Know Your Message, Your Members, Your Medium"
Day 2
Practicum. This session will be an opportunity for participants to plan
a Communion Service and to receive a critique of their work.
