We want to recognize the 2016 Prison Volunteer of the Year awards that were presented to James Gibson and Fr. Mark Stec who serve at Lawrence Corrections and to Fr. David Uribe, OMI who serves at Pinckneyville Correctional Center. The awards were presented at the Illinois DOC awards and banquet in Springfield, IL on April 12 where the Illinois Program Wardens and Prison Chaplains representing the 28 state prisons gather each year to honor the 2016 Volunteers of the Year. During the assembly the 2016 Illinois State Volunteer of the Year is recognized for their outstanding service to the men and women of the state prisons.
We extend our congratulations to Fr. Mark Stec and Fr. Ron Weber who offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist on a weekly basis and James Gibson who conducts Scripture studies twice a month at Lawrence. Fr. Uribe offers Reconciliation and Eucharist twice a month and Lou Slapshak conducts a Scripture/RCIA group at Pinckneyville.
We appreciate all the faithful service of the clergy, deacons and lay persons to the men in prison and jails in the Belleville Diocese. There faithful service to those often overlooked has not gone unnoticed.
Prayerful thanks from Fr. Christian Reuter, Coordinator of Prison Ministry, Belleville Diocese.