Letters

Imitating Christ

Posted

To the Editor:

I am one of the men who went to Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon as a member of the Residents Encounter Christ team. There I found men of great faith trying to come to grips with their lives as Christians and the spreading the Word of God after their incarceration and separated from the rest of society. I was humbled to hear their passion and hope to be better and live their lives imitating Christ. 

I think I speak for all the team when I say there is much to be learned from our brothers and sisters in prison who have used their time to face their acts, accept responsibility and seek forgiveness from God and those they will soon meet outside of prison. 

I find it easy to call them brothers for at Fishkill we became one in Christ asking for the guidance and love of the Holy Spirit to help us die to ourselves and be born again to our Lord. I pray they continue that journey to eternal life. I also pray that all who encounter them will give them a second chance to become Catholics at large.

These men need our forgiveness, love and support to re-enter society. We must help them for who among us is without sin. I also pray that more men and women will join us on visits to prison.

Charles T. Patterson

Garnerville