The New Year is a time for hopeful new beginnings and upbeat news, such as Jan. 1’s gospel narrative of the message of joy spread by shepherds who came to Bethlehem to rejoice in the birth of the Savior.

Over the last 20 years the State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana has produced something to cheer about: Almost 250 inmates have graduated from its groundbreaking in-house seminary which offers degrees in pastoral ministries and theology. Like the shepherds of old, these graduates often surprise people by being the messengers of the Good News that has “been told to them.”

The penitentiary’s curriculum includes a variety of courses such as Greek, Hebrew, and “sidewalk ministry” where inmates learn techniques for ministering to fellow inmates. Most graduates are Christian, but 15 Muslims have also comlpleted the program. Based on the college’s purported success, Texas has implemented a similar program and several other states are also considering in-prison seminaries.

Homily hint: The moral of this inspiring story is: Never give up on anyone. Prisons which offer a path to healing and wholeness to those who have lost their way are helping God reach out with saving power.

Source: A report by Brad Stoddard for Sightings (University of Chicago Divinity School)