Dismas Ministry

Dear Friends and Supporters, We are thrilled to share that Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year, dedicating it to the theme of Hope—a beacon we strive to uphold in our service to those incarcerated. This special year highlights the need for hope among prisoners, a cause Pope Francis has passionately advocated throughout his ministry. The year's grand event will be a special Mass for inmates at St. Peter's on December 14, 2025, symbolizing this commitment. In response, Dismas Ministry continues to foster hope, having named our workspace "Hope" in honor of the prisoners we serve. This is a testament to our mission of ensuring those released can thrive beyond prison walls. This year, the Pope urged prisoners to see hope as an anchor, encouraging them to "hold onto the rope of hope" despite challenges. As we step into 2025, let us unite in this spirit of hope and continue our vital work. Together, we can light the way forward for those who need it most. Please consider a donation to Dismas Ministry today! Visit https://lnkd.in/gvqAagYy

 "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." ~Matthew 25:40 This Christmas, we want to take a moment to thank you for your incredible support of Dismas Ministry this year. Your generosity has brought hope and light to so many who often feel forgotten. You have helped remind the incarcerated of their dignity and God's unending love. You helped to "see" the person behind the bars. The support we have received has allowed us to provide spiritual resources, study courses, and messages of encouragement to men and women in custody, letting them know they are not alone. As we reflect on this past year, we are truly grateful for the kindness and the impact it has made. Together, we are living out the Gospel and sharing Christ’s message of hope and renewal. As we prepare for the year ahead, your continued generosity ensures that we can keep answering the call to serve those in need. Thank you for being an essential part of this mission. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, hope, and grace. Warmest regards, Juliann Joerres, Executive Director, and The Dismas Ministry Team" #HopeBehindBars #DismasMinistry #ChristmasHope #SeeThePerson #SpiritualSupport #IncarceratedDignity #FaithInAction #RenewalSeason #GiveBackChristmas #PrisonMinistryImpact

On an October afternoon, I received a call from a gentleman named Al. Al had a simple request: he needed a new copy of our "Pray in the Spirit" book, a small blue prayer book we sent him while he was incarcerated 16 years ago. Al told me he had read this book every day, even after leaving prison. It had given him solace and comfort through some of his darkest times, but after so many years of use, the pages had started to fall out. He hoped we could send him a new one. Of course, we mailed Al a fresh copy right away. Each prayer book costs just $5 to print and mail, a small price for a gift that carries immense power to comfort and transform lives. Your generosity makes it possible for us to send these and other resources to those seeking spiritual growth, both inside and outside prison walls. https://lnkd.in/gvqAagYy Stories like Al’s remind us of the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. Recently, we received a request from a prisoner hoping to share our Bible study course with his wife, so they could grow in faith together despite being apart. Your support helps us continue to deliver resources that comfort the isolated, foster transformation, and inspire change. Every gift, no matter the size, directly touches the lives of prisoners, their families, and those who minister to them. 🙏 Thank you for your incredible generosity and for being a vital part of our mission. May you be blessed abundantly for all the blessings you share. Please donate today at https://lnkd.in/gvqAagYy #DismasMinistry #HopeBehindBars #PrayerChangesThings #CommunitySupport #SpiritualGrowth

Merry Christmas from all of us at Dismas Ministry! Our team gathered in the HOPE workroom for a festive Christmas party lunch, filled with joy, games, and lots of laughter. It's moments like these that truly bring us together in the spirit of the season. Also pictured is our Executive Director, Juliann Joerres, sharing a special moment with our amazing interns, who have been a tremendous part of our journey. We're going to miss them greatly! From our team to yours, we wish you a season filled with peace, joy, and hope. Merry Christmas! #DismasMinistry #ChristmasParty #TeamSpirit #HolidaySeason #NonprofitLife #InternsFarewell #HopeAndJoy

Looking for the Perfect Holiday Gift? Special Offer: I Am Beautiful, Volume 10 – Now 33% Off! Looking for a book that touches the heart and sparks meaningful conversations? I Am Beautiful, Volume 10 is more than a collection of stories, poems, and artwork — it's a testament to resilience and healing, perfect for anyone who has faced trauma or challenges. A beautiful coffee table book. A conversation starter. A reminder of inner strength and dignity. Special Price: Just $10 per book! Give a gift that inspires hope and supports a powerful cause. Order today and bring beauty and purpose into someone’s life: https://lnkd.in/g-hUK_mk #IAmBeautiful #GiftsWithPurpose #33PercentOff #HopeAndHealing #DismasMinistry #PrisonMinistry

This Giving Tuesday, join us in seeing beyond the bars to the people behind them—beloved children of God deserving of love, hope, and redemption. In this heartfelt video, we share the words of incarcerated individuals who have written to us, expressing their gratitude for the spiritual support and encouragement made possible by your generosity. As we hold their letters, we carry their voices, reminding them—and you—that they are not forgotten. Through your donations, you help us provide spiritual materials, prayer books, and letters of hope that transform isolation into connection and faith. Together, we can make a profound difference in their lives and show them the light of God’s presence. Watch their words come to life and be part of this powerful mission. 👉 Donate Today: http://bit.ly/2024WeCU 👉 Learn More About Dismas Ministry: www.dismasministry.org Every gift today helps us reach more hearts, send more letters, and see more people as God sees them: worthy of love and redemption. #GivingTuesday #SeeThePerson #DismasMinistry #HopeBeyondBars https://lnkd.in/gXdYYK_U

The accompanying Thanksgiving turkey artwork was created by Dennis Lennon, a prisoner supported by Dismas Ministry! This Thanksgiving, we want to thank you for your spiritual, prayerful, and financial support of our mission. We are deeply grateful for the many blessings our ministry has been fortunate to receive and share with others. As we cherish time with our families, our thoughts also turn to those we serve, the incarcerated individuals who are away from their loved ones. In our work, we strive to remind them that they are not forgotten. We hold space for them at our tables and in our hearts, ensuring they know they are thought of often and cherished. We also hold space for you, acknowledging how crucial you are to the fabric of Dismas Ministry. Wishing you a season filled with family, joy, and the warmth of shared blessings. May God abundantly bless you! Happy Thanksgiving! The Dismas Ministry Team ❤

The accompanying Thanksgiving turkey artwork was created by Dennis Lennon, a prisoner supported by Dismas Ministry! This Thanksgiving, we want to thank you for your spiritual, prayerful, and financial support of our mission. We are deeply grateful for the many blessings our ministry has been fortunate to receive and share with others. As we cherish time with our families, our thoughts also turn to those we serve, the incarcerated individuals who are away from their loved ones. In our work, we strive to remind them that they are not forgotten. We hold space for them at our tables and in our hearts, ensuring they know they are thought of often and cherished. We also hold space for you, acknowledging how crucial you are to the fabric of Dismas Ministry. Wishing you a season filled with family, joy, and the warmth of shared blessings. May God abundantly bless you! Happy Thanksgiving! The Dismas Ministry Team ❤

Meet Chris Patrick, the newest member of the Dismas Ministry Board of Directors! Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for prison ministry. Currently in formation to become a Roman Catholic Deacon, Chris found his calling ministering to incarcerated individuals in Maryland, despite initial nerves. His time at Jessup Correctional Institution revealed the spiritual hunger of those behind bars and the challenges they face accessing sacraments. A husband, father, and seasoned leader in the Aerospace & Defense industry, Chris combines faith and professional expertise to support our mission. He reminds us, “Don’t be afraid—those in prison are our brothers and sisters, and they need our help.” Welcome, Chris! 🙌 READ MORE about Chris in our Fall Newsletter https://lnkd.in/gt8hFDeZ #DismasMinistry #PrisonMinistry #FaithInAction #MeetTheBoard

Big Announcement! I Am Beautiful, Volume 10 is Now Available! This powerful publication continues to uplift and empower women!💜 Did you know that a high percentage of women in prison have faced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse? Many live with the effects of trauma while serving their sentences, often struggling with poor self-image and feelings of worthlessness. The I Am Beautiful Project supports these women as they rediscover their self-esteem and inner worth. The project invites incarcerated women to share their writings, stories, poems, and art, making this annual publication a collective testament to their resilience and strength. By expressing their experiences of abuse and survival, these women contribute to a powerful resource that helps others facing similar challenges. Every volume is sent free to women’s prisons across the U.S., ensuring that women who need it most feel seen, valued, and encouraged to stand tall and recognize their own dignity and beauty. 💌 Order your full copy on our website store https://lnkd.in/g-hUK_mk ALSO, GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD TODAY on our website at ❤❤❤❤https://lnkd.in/gP2XY284 🙏 A huge thank you to Haley Marini and Kelly O'Keefe for their fantastic work on this volume! Special thanks to Kelly for her creative and thought-provoking "For the Reader" sections added throughout the pages, making this edition even more impactful. #IAmBeautiful #IAMBEAUTIFULVOL10 #DismasMinistry #Resilience #Empowerment #Hope #InnerStrength