This year, Dismas Ministry is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and several milestones achieved over the past two decades.
Founded in 2000, by Ron Zeilinger, Dismas Ministry is a national, Catholic outreach to prisoners. The ministry’s goal is to provide Catholic scripture, faith, and prayer materials to incarcerated women and men across the country, as well as to the chaplains who serve them. Materials are provided free of charge to prisoners and, whenever possible, to the chaplains as well.
Recently, Dismas Ministry moved its operations to the campus of Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. The university, which began as a teaching institution for the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 1937, offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that help students develop new skills, gain career-related experience, and build professional networks.
The work of Dismas Ministry is done by a very small, dedicated team, and the organization’s presence on campus is an opportunity to engage more volunteers, especially students.
“We are blessed to work alongside those who live in the Franciscan tradition. Our missions find common ground as we live and share the Gospel message of peace and justice for everyone – especially the poor and marginalized,” said Tyler Curtis, executive director of Dismas Ministry. “This is a new chapter for the ministry, and our team is energized by the collaboration that is already taking place on campus.”
It is through committed work and collaboration that Dismas Ministry provides support to incarcerated women and men as they seek to renew their relationship with God and the Church. To make a gift in support of those served through Dismas Ministry, click the “Donate Now” button below.