Jesuit Scholastics Begin Rikers Island Ministry

Over the last several weeks, three Jesuit scholastics from Fordham University’s Ciszek Hall have accompanied Fr. Zach on his weekly visits to Rikers Island. Every Wednesday, these young men step behind the walls to offer important pastoral care and quality meditative resources for an examined life. Reflecting on their collective experiences, Fr. Zach noted that a great deal of time is spent visiting those living in punitive segregation, more commonly known as solitary confinement. For many of these folks, spiritual resources and care are critical pillars of support in enduring the harsh conditions and isolation many experience while in solitary. 

Since the start of the pandemic, the New York City Department of Correction has significantly reduced volunteer programming on Rikers Island. As a result, we have been unable to continue our in-person spiritual retreats behind the walls with our team of talented mentors. Thanks to their dedication and commitment to our mission, our mentors have worked hard to provide quality meditative resources and literature to support our brothers and sisters behind the walls while we remain apart. In the meantime, we are incredibly grateful for the vocation of these three Jesuits, each of whom has worked hard to bring grace and comfort to those enduring the harsh realities of incarceration.