There are many new activities going on in the San Quentin Catholic Chapel. The word catholic comes from the Greek word for universal. This means we are open to all who wish to join us in the spirit of brotherhood and prayer, whatever your own religious practice.
In other words, all are welcome. We are interested in sharing the richness of our faith, not forcing it down anyone’s throat. So, feel free to come to any of the programs listed here or to Mass on Sundays or Fridays. If you wish to see me my door is always open to you; just send me a kite or stop by the chapel and make an appointment to see me. Or, if you see me in the yard, let me know. I am here not just for Catholics but for all and I respect and value your spiritual path, in whatever form it takes.
Mass is held on Sundays at 9 a.m. for Reception Center, 11 a.m. in English for the Main Line and 2 p.m. in Spanish for the Main Line. We also celebrate Mass every Friday at 12:30 p.m. We will be offering Religious Education in both English and Spanish immediately after the 11 o’clock Sunday Masses, starting in August. If you have never been baptized, confirmed or received your first Holy Communion, this is your chance to do so.
Mondays we have Centering Prayer at 6:20 p.m. in the Catholic Chapel. This is an interfaith form of meditation that draws on the richness of our Christian tradition, but would be helpful for people of any faith.
A Spirituality Class is offered at 6:20 p.m. Tuesdays in the Catholic Chapel. This is a chance to share our faith in an environment of trust and friendship.
Wednesdays we have our weekly Catholic Bible Study. We are currently using a Bible study program called “Modern Parables,” which is a series of short films that portray the parables of Jesus in modern images. All are welcome. We also have received a large supply of Catholic Bibles in both English and Spanish, so you are welcome to come and get a Bible anytime.
Thursday nights we have a variety programs. Every Thursday we have our Restorative Justice Interfaith Roundtable. This has been going on for several years, and it includes many from the outside community and is meant to be a forum for advocacy of prisoners’ and victims’ rights, and for a correctional system to be based on principles of restoration to the community, reconciliation and forgiveness instead of just punishment and incapacitation.
On the third Thursday of each month we have a prayer and share meeting for all those who have participated in Kairos. The next Kairos will occur in September. If you are interested, Fr. Williams or one of the Protestant Chapel Brown Card holders can sign you up.
Following the Friday Mass at 1230, there is an opportunity to pray the Rosary together.
On the first Saturday of each month at 6:20 p.m. we offer our bilingual (English and Spanish) Rosary prayer service and on the third Saturday of each month is our interfaith Taize prayer service; a beautiful candlelit service or meditative chant and quite prayer.
