Corporal Works of Mercy- Visit the Imprisoned (part 1)

This corporal work of mercy has had it practice change throughout time. In early Christendom Christians were imprisioned for their faith. People were encouraged to visit them, to support them, and to bring them food. In our society today, we enjoy the freedom of religion.

Yet, our correctional system can be more about detention than helping to lift up and reform the human person. In the near future the parish's Social Justice Committee will be helping us understand this in a very concrete way. Cerro Gordo County has a program called "Drug Treatment Court." Successful completion of this program reduces the likelihood of reoffending from 80% to 25%. This program is cheaper than incarceration and drastically reduces the possibility of someone being incarcerated again.

So what is the difference? The "Drug Treatment Court" seeks to identify and correct the issue of drug addiction through supporting the individual through a treatment process and a series of rewards and sanctions as they progress through the process. In short, rather than incarcerate these individuals they give them tools and the incentive to get clean and stay clean. They help them recognize their dignity and value.
- Fr. Rod Allers
Drawing by Ade Bethune