There are now three outside chapters of the Sisters of Mary Magdalene. Recently, the Sisters of Mary Magdalene were recognized by Governor Rick Perry and TDCJ and awarded the 2009 GOVERNOR’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD. 

2009 GOVERNOR’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Sisters of St. Mary Magdalene
“Susan Cranford” Award- Female Offender Program

The Sisters of St. Mary Magdalene have been selected to receive the honorable Susan Cranford Volunteer Award for female offender programs.  This very successful volunteer program aims at establishing a ‘sorority’ of Catholic female offenders through an in-prison crusade event called the St. Mary Magdalene Metanoia Retreat.  After the crusade, volunteers follow-up with continued in-prison support through Bible studies focused on life applications, re-entry goal setting, restorative justice and a 12-step Christian program.  Volunteers continue helping post-release with re-entry assistance by connecting sorority sisters with local Catholic volunteers and resource entities that help with temporary housing, transportation, gift packages, mentoring and job leads.  There are approximately 700 members.  This dedicated volunteer program stands ready to expand into other TDCJ women’s prisons and jails.
                                                                                                             
This award is named as a tribute to Susan Cranford who passed away in March 2007 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Susan, a former Windham School District and TDCJ employee, served the Agency for 28 years.  Many of those years were spent as the Warden at the Gatesville Unit.  Prior to her retirement, Susan also served as Assistant Director of the State Jail Division and the Director of Private Facilities Division.  Susan Cranford’s innovative thinking and relentless desire to improve criminal justice programs for females gained her a well-deserved national reputation as an expert on women’s issues in the field of corrections, both from the staff and offender perspectives.  

Dis-Mag Executive of Women, Kathy Ward has been instrumental in maintaining Catholic Sistership by greeting, guiding, and re-entry needs with monthly Liturgies at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Houston, TX.

Dismas Project over 1000

New initiatives are springing up throughout the BSD/SMM program. We recently surpassed a significant milestone in the Brothers of Saint Dismas program with inducting over 1000 men into the brotherhood over the last 5 years. The aftercare program CRISP continues to grow and assist men and women after release. Tommy P, Mark and Elaine T, Don and Celeste A, and Kathy W are really helping these brothers and sisters make a successful return to the free world. And they are making it happen for more and more.  

Dismas~Magdalene Metanoia Prison Retreat ~2008

Late June 2008 brought in extra BSD growth and joy!  We conducted a three day St. Dismas /WATCH Metanoia Retreat for (68)  incarcerated Catholic men at the Ferguson Unit in Midway, TX, Over 25 professional Catholic volunteers, and two Priests, Fr.Tom Edelin & Fr. Steven helped to bring the presence of the Lord in that prison.  Lots of singing, laughing, and masculine forgivness offered wonderful new beginnings for those present.  For more information on how you can take part and join our retreat team, just complete the Volunteer Form !

Fr. Carlos Martin
Fr. Carlos Martin, from the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston, TX, has a unique ministry: “God has granted to me over 1000 Saint relics.”  All are Church certified.  I give presentations to interested Churches and say Mass with the Communion of Saints all around!"  Martin states that many healings and minor miracles have resulted from the expositions after Mass.

   Now, our own incarcerated Catholic men at the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, TX will "see and hear" for themselves this exciting communion with the Saints of the Church in a Lenten Retreat, Saturday, February 27,2010.

   Fr. Matrin has a relic of the True Cross of Jesus!  Additionally, relics (pieces) from Mother Mary's own veil,  a bone from St. Mary Magdalene, a small piece of the cross of St. Dismas…and many more!    It will be a Glorious Day.  Visit his website at http://www.treasuresofthechurch.com

BSD/SMM Care Packs!

New BSD/SMM care & assistance program CRISP Catholic Re-Integration Support Program

Upon release from prison, Brothers and Sisters can ask for an emergency need/care pack personally delived/mailed.  Contents are new cloths, hygene, bath items, bedding, alarm clock, food cards, gas cards, rosary & prayer booklet, writing material & stamps, and more!"  You can help!  Assist Catholic releasees. Donate items by signing up on the volunteer form below, or email pickardtommy@yahoo.com.          

Reentry Jobs Available

Jobs are available for Brothers of St. Dismas and Sisters of St. Mary Magdalene releasees on a local, national and international basis. Check it out at HabitatForHumanity; HoustonJobs; AustinJobs; SanAntonioJobs; DallasJobs