Thrive Welcomes New Faith Community Partner: Church of St. Thomas Aquinas

On March 27, Fr. Zach presided at the Masses held at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn. St. Thomas Aquinas is one of our newest faith community partners committed to helping Thrive For Life transform lives behind and beyond the prison walls. During his homilies, Fr. Zach shared with congregants his experience ministering to people behind bars and emphasized the need for our Church and society at large to affirm the inherent dignity of all persons, especially those often disregarded in prison. 

Confirmation candidates from the parish and Our Lady of Christians came together to host a supply drive to support our care package and welcome home backpack program. Thanks to the generosity of these students, their families, and friends, Fr. Zach was overwhelmed with boxes upon boxes overflowing with toiletries, white socks and shirts, notebooks, and other items that will be delivered to folks behind the walls. Upon his return to the office, four staff members helped him unload and sort a fully packed car with brand new donations. 

Thrive For Life is incredibly grateful for our many faith community partners who constitute a vital pillar of our organization’s capacity to serve those affected by incarceration. As we continue to expand our reach locally and nationally, these congregations will prove indispensable with their many graces, talents, and care for the people we encounter in our work. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and interest in our work to transform the lives of those impacted by incarceration. 

Special thanks to Fr. Dwayne and Fr. Juan for their hospitality!