Catholic inmate outreach
goes national

	INMATE OUTREACH: Ron Zeilinger founded Dismas Ministry, which is used in prisons and jails across the country, including many in the Green Bay Diocese. (Sam Lucero photo)

Third in a series on prison ministry

By Sam Lucero
Milwaukee Catholic Herald

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee-based Catholic ministry is putting prayers into the back pockets and on the lips of inmates, victims and their families around the nation, including prisons and jails in the Green Bay Diocese.

Ron Zeilinger, founder of Dismas Ministry - named for the Good Thief in Luke's account of Jesus' crucifixion - learned 10 years ago from Catholic prison chaplains of inmates' dire need for Catholic literature.

"I thought, 'That sounds like either there is an opportunity for a ministry, or they don't know where to find these (materials),'" said Zeilinger, who was working in the development office for the Priests of the Sacred Heart in Hales Corners.

Zeilinger wrote to some 350 Catholic correctional ministers listed in the Official Catholic to ask what they needed to carry out their ministry. "It came back very clear that a three-prong approach was really what these chaplains were describing: Bibles, faith study, Bible study," he said.   Full story ...

	Mass Times 2004-05 Fall/Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 3 issue)

S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n : Catholic Schools Week Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2005

• Neenah students connect with Milwaukee peers     St. Margaret Mary students learn through giving  • Pursuing peace at St. Francis de Sales School     Manitowoc school contributing to peace in Iraq through     toy drive  • For a list of articles found only in the print edition of the     Catholic Schools Week special section, see the blue box,     at left.

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik --
    Bridging the Gap: Call Northside 777

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    January 30, 2005: 'What is happiness and unhappiness?'

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    January 30, 2005: God overcomes our human weaknesses

 • Editorial -- Large challenges
    During the second term, morality and the needs of the weakest
    must have priority

 • Editorial -- Wondering where it goes
    Dropping gas mileage teaches lessons

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Pontifical servers show top form in their ministry
    Altar servers to the bishop perform in unobtrusive, yet crucial, ways for the Mass

 • Saint of the Day --
    One man who made a big difference
    Cornelius started a new trend in fledgling church

 • Calendar of Events (Updated: 1/28/2005, 3:17 p.m. Central Time)