During a recent visit to Northeast Reintegration Center, Bishop Edward Malesic engaged in a candid discussion with the incarcerated women about faith, getting their lives back on track and “A Flourishing Apostolic Church,” his first pastoral letter.
“I am thrilled to here with you,” he told a group of about 50 women who gathered for their weekly Bible study/prayer and discussion session led by Father Dave Domanski, OFM Cap, facility chaplain. It was the bishop’s first visit to NERC.
“Patience, kindness, gentleness and love are some of the things your community is teaching you,” the bishop said. He fielded questions about his pastoral letter and expressed appreciation that the women had spent so much time reading and studying the document.
Father Domanski said the women gather twice weekly – on Thursdays to pray the rosary and share experiences, and on Saturdays for Mass, religious education and discussion.
“It is our duty to discern our mission,” one woman said. Another noted that the Gospels “are not just dusty, old documents,” but guides for living.
The bishop agreed, reminding them that “God is love by his very nature. He created all things out of love and by a process … God loved you into existence. You have a purpose … You are not insignificant to God.”
The bishop also told the women they must empty themselves -- which can be painful -- in order to make room for God. “Let Jesus fill you up so the devil doesn’t,” he added.
One woman asked how they could use their wounds/woundedness to help spread the Gospel. Bishop Malesic encouraged them to embrace their woundedness. “We’re all wounded … we can’t overcome it on our own. We need someone to help us and his name is Jesus … You don’t want to be here forever.” Heaven is the ultimate goal, he added.
They also talked about newly elected Pope Leo XIV and his gifts for the Church. “He is smart and spiritual and is gifted at building bridges,” the bishop said. “We get the pope we need at the time we need him.”
Father Domanski said he’s impressed with the evangelization at NERC, noting women regularly invite others to attend the twice-weekly programs. “There are always new faces,” he said.
Sister Rita Mary Harwood, SND, retired diocesan parish life director who has worked with prison ministry for many years, said some of the women participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, with one woman baptized at the Easter Vigil. “She said God put her in the right place at the right time,” Sister Harwood said. “I know I never leave here the same. You are the windows,” she told the women. “Love is at the heart of all we do.”
Northeast Reintegration Center, which opened in 1988, sits on14 acres on Cleveland’s Near East Side. It is part of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.