“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” ~ William Arthur Ward
The first three classes in the new Prison Ministry curriculum kicked off this past Fall term with 15 participants. The second class in this current Winter term has 11 participants, all expected to complete the entire program and earn certification next Spring. This all started as a dream as the following story by two program leaders will explain.
Dreams Come True by Toni Carter and Rev. Kirti Cesaratto (UUMS Year?)
Once upon a time, Revs. Sandra Campbell and Karen Saunders dreamed of offering a prison ministry certificate program for ministers considering this area of service in their ministries. A team of volunteers, including Toni and Revs. Kirti, Sandra, and Karen, and UUMS students: Deborah Giddings (program co-facilitator), Sarah Anma Amand, … spent weeks researching the prison system, seeking guidance from experts—including former inmates, leaders in the field, family members, and friends affecting by the prison system. After a year of information-gathering, including interviews with “returning citizens,” prison chaplains, and teachers, and reviewing various programs and resources, the program began to take shape.
Read more on this story. Once upon a time, Revs. Sandra Campbell and Karen Saunders dreamed of offering a prison ministry certificate program for ministers who wanted to include this service area in their ministries.
After a year of information-gathering, interviewing “returning citizens,” prison chaplains and teachers, reviewing various programs, and researching resources, the UUMS Prison Ministry curriculum began to take shape.
The development of this idea included workshops to determine the interest and viability of this dream. As the story continued, the first class had 15 registrants in the Fall 2024 term. Students learned the basics of prison ministry and how Unity principles might help raise the consciousness of those who are incarcerated within the United States penal system. The curriculum included videos, research, interviews, and relevant readings. Based on feedback from students, the inaugural program was a success.
And so, the story continues with eleven students enrolled in the second of the three classes toward certification during the Winter term. These students are engaged in studying specific issues relating to returning citizens such as sensory deprivation and overload, the parole process, reunion with families, and other factors centered around empowered thinking.
During the course work, students will learn how to map out their own prison ministry certification program within local, state, and federal jurisdictions. They will discover ways to serve as volunteers working with those who are incarcerated, returning citizens, and families affected by the prison system.
This dream continues to evolve, so stay tuned for the next episode of “Dreams Come True,” as we delve deeper into the success of our new Prison Ministry Certification program.
FYI, Divine Expressions is an organization established by Rev. Kirti Cesaratto, to provide tools and resources for starting a Prison Ministry program. If interested, call or text Rev. Kirti, at 713-396-3481.