A Catholic Detention Ministries sponsored Day of Reflection was observed at the James A. Musick Facility and 35 male inmates participated along with 14 volunteers.

It was the fourth annual one day retreat for Musick inmates and a female Day of Reflection is planned for October 22.

The volunteers and chaplains are present during the daylong event of religious reflection. The group explores specific topics dealing with negative behavior, and is intended to deepen the participant’s integration of faith and life through prayer and shared discussion. The day consists of 6-7 hours which includes lunch. The visitors bring in their own sack lunch and eat alongside the inmates.

This year the volunteers were Father Anthony Baer, Peter Fuerst, Christopher Gonzales, Deacon Philip Goodman, Chaplain Fredrick LaPuzza, Nhat Le, Ruben Mata, Stanley Necikowski, Tony Patronite, Arthur Pinto, Stewart Sheehy, Michael Sortino, Father Edward Walshe, Ernesto Mantillo and Gerald Zelko.

The event concludes with the volunteers washing the feet of the inmates. It is a symbol of humility; their action is similar to Christ washing his disciples’ feet. Many of the inmates cry and state it the most humbling and powerful experience they have ever had. The participants thanked Captain Deana Bergquist, Inmate Programs Supervisor Dan Connelly and Deputy Ray Guerrero for allowing the event to occur and for allowing them to attend. More...