“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.
Thank you so much for what you all are doing. I was released from prison in Arizona, September of 2024. I did not know anything about Unity at the time but I did stumble upon A Course of Miracles and I knew that is what I needed in my life. I lost my mother while I was in prison and I have had to cut ties with everyone I ever knew. I was able to find a old friend (Lindsay) who has been my saving grace. I completed a 90 day reentry program. completed parole, and am about 4-5 months away from getting off o0f probation early. All without a single issue. There were many odd coincidences (Universe) that happened last May that led Lindsay and I to Unity Church here in Phoenix. The very first time we went loved it. As we got in her vehicle she was looking at the events and classes that were offered and she shrieked! She handed me the event paper and pointed to a class that was offered for A Course In Miracles. I knew right then I was home. I feel out of place at times because I always thought that I was lower than everyone else there, I have come to find out that we are all just one. All just trying to do the best we can to be a better person. Sorry for the long story but I know how much Unity has helped me and how much it could help so many men that want to change while they are in prison. I have always believed that our purpose in life is to help other people. I am now like a Unity sponge and I absorb everything Reverend Maraj says. Lindsay and I both became members and volunteer whenever and wherever we can. We are actually starting our own Gratitude Circle. We were part of one and we think it would be wonderful if we could have one at a dog park for all the people who love thier dogs as much as we do. I truly hope that one day I could be a Unity Minister one day. I have this small little voice inside of me saying “Go for it! This is what you were made for.” but like all schools it is a little outside of my price range. But, obstacles were made to be conquered and there is no one else that I think has more drive, hunger, and the intelligence to overcome those obstacles then most convicts in the America penal system. I guarantee you are saving one or more of these men’s lives, literally. All of that to say thank you so VERY much for truly caring and actually taking action. —— With a Bow, Joshua