Texas program helps Catholics getting out of prison find faith, hope

Published: 2005-12-20

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) -- The Shalom Aftercare program, run by Deacon Agustin Arismendez for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, is aptly named with the Hebrew word that is both a greeting and a farewell. The program, which operates out of the Bexar County Detention Ministries' Family Renewal Center in San Antonio, offers a transition back into society for those who have been incarcerated and are struggling to overcome this stigma. Deacon Arismendez, a former aircraft sheet metal mechanic at the now-closed Kelly Air Force Base, was ordained a deacon in 1999 and completed a degree in criminal justice at St. Mary's University in 2000. He was hired five years ago by the archdiocese to help Catholics who have been incarcerated re-enter society and reconnect with their faith. Re-entering society, many former prisoners are beset with basic needs -- food, clothing, a place to live, a job. Often their families also have needs to be met, psychological as well as material. Deacon Arismendez found he had to first meet his clients' earthly needs before being able to approach their spiritual ones.

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