Christ the Redeemer Catholic Community Easter Banquet
The Christ the Redeemer Catholic Community of the Jefferson City Correctional Center gathered for its annual Easter Banquet on May 17.
There were many Volunteers in Corrections (VICs) and community members in attendance.
Mass was celebrated and a meal was shared.
The menu included smoked pulled pork and chicken, with baked beans, potato salad and toasted garlic bread.
The community wanted to take a moment to welcome Litz Main, executive director of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri.
“We wish to invite her back any time, and we hope that we could be further enlightened on Catholic Charities,” a member of the Christ the Redeemer community stated.
He also thanked the VICs, some of whom spend more time in prison than out of prison.
Thanks were extended to Father Anthony Rinaldo, Catholic chaplain at the prison; Deacon Larry Hildebrand, who assists him; and Denise Pack, for bringing weekly Mass into the prison.
Thanks were also shared with Lois Thomas and Carolyn Saucier for all their incredible work; the many VICs in the Restorative Justice program, including Paul and Jenny Becker; the VICS in the Intensive Therapeutic Community (ITC), without whom there would be no program; and Betty Markway and her group of Residence Encounter Christ (REC) volunteers.
“A very special prayer and thank you to all of you,” the community member stated.
Appreciation was also extended to Father Joseph Corel, former Catholic chaplain at JCCC and diocesan vicar for prison ministry, for working with this whole uncontrollable group of prison programs.
“You have been missed!”
Finally, a prayer of blessing was offered to all VICs in Missouri dioceses — that God will reserve them a place in heaven.
“Your value to us is unmeasurable in anything but love,” the community member stated.
Dennis Bruntmeyer is a member of the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Community.
