Visiting Our Sisters at Taconic for Catholic Day

On August 26, Thrive For Life visited our sisters at Taconic Correctional Facility for a day of prayer, contemplation, and community-building. Organized in collaboration with the Catholic chaplains at the facility, women and staff gathered for “Catholic Day.” People gathered together to begin the day with a morning prayer and reflection, followed by a light breakfast. Afterwards, those in attendance had an opportunity to socialize, participate in small group discussion, and enjoy recreation in the main yard. Before convening for lunch, Fr. Zach guided the group through the Examen, asking our sisters behind the walls to reflect deeply on moments of transformation in their lives. Through this exercise rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, he invited those present to discern where God had been at work in their lives, where they need Him, and how to see His presence in all things. 

Thrive For Life’s visit to Taconic’s Catholic Day marked one of the first congregant gatherings with our sisters behind the walls since the start of the pandemic. As the public health situation improves, we hope to return for our regular retreats at Taconic and Bedford Hills with our dedicated spiritual mentors who bring quality, reflective resources for an examined life to those behind the walls. Special thanks to Deacon Cliff Calanni and the Catholic chaplains at Taconic for organizing this wonderful day of community-building and celebration!