someone you love in prison , watching as they die a little more each time you visit . I remember Cathy telling us about her brother , how hard it was for him when their mom passed . Cathy promised her mother she would always be there for Joey and she has been faithful to this day ! Larod had Michelle , a truly special friend , who attended the meetings on his behalf . When I first met Marshan his attorneys shared with me how special Marshan was and how wrong it was for him to be in prison — a young man with so much he could offer the world .
I ’ m not sure if any of us every really believed we would see our guys released . We all hoped that one day it would happen , but to see the miracle of their release , to have these guys come to the meeting and actually talk to us , gave us the courage to never give up hope . Larod stood during the meeting and told all of us that he was there to give us hope , just as our group had given him and others hope during their long years in prison .
On June 25 , 2012 , the United States Supreme Court ruled it was unconstitutional to sentence anyone under 18 to mandatory life in prison . On that day , we began to have hope , to think that maybe a few of our loved ones would be returned to us . The last 4 years have been a long difficult journey for many of us ; re-entering the court system , revisiting the worst time in your life , for many of us seeing the victims ’ families and the pain that is still with them . Not all of the stories have been as happy as Joey , Larod , and Marshan . Some have been told again that they will die in prison , that they are not more than their worst decision in life . Still others have been given extremely long sentences . For many of us , we are still waiting for our loved ones to be resentenced ; it is a limbo that eats away at you , the fear and worry is always there .
We had cake for Joey , Larod , and Marshan because we knew we needed and wanted to support and celebrate them . We all needed to celebrate ! It ’ s was a small gesture , but the guys loved it — smiles abounded and for a little while all of us forgot our own worries and basked in the happiness and delight of these three men . I just shake my head , smile , wipe away a tear , and realize that I have witnessed a miracle .
Julie Anderson ’ s son Eric was sentenced to life in prison when he was 15 years old , he is now 37 years old and is awaiting his resentencing . Julie directs pbmr ’ s advocacy efforts through the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Dayton Sisters of the Precious Blood . W
A New Ministry , continued from page 8 the idea was worth pursuing and that my faith in God ’ s calling would remain strong .
I then made a proposal for the creation of a resource service that would connect those in need with social service organizations in the community . Companions and incorporated members could work together to establish the resource center , promoting Precious Blood spirituality in a faith-based project designed to build relationship within the community through service and charity . This project would link the elderly , disabled , low-income families , children , and others in need to supportive services . All members of the Precious Blood community could participate in providing the contents of the resource center . Resources could be gathered and placed in a database establishing an online service as well as an outreach service .
The vision has grown bigger than a mustard seed and the mountain has been nudged . An advisory committee was formed which includes Fr . Garry Richmeier , Fr . Keith Branson , Margaret Haik , Gabino Zavala , and Kathy Keary . After several meetings and hard work , plans for Precious Blood Resource Services were created . These services will consist of needs assessment , referral , and accompanying . We will refer those in need to resources and help them though the process so they can effectively receive those services . An organizational structure has been established and locations for a central office have been explored in mid-town Kansas City . Inquiry has been made into funding opportunities . Training sessions will be implemented for those in the community who are interested in being part of the process . We have reached out to other social service organizations that have shown interest in collaborating with us . All Companions , volunteers , and incorporated members have their own unique gifts and talents to offer to those in need and can help this project to succeed . The committee will be reaching out to the community to share our progress and ask for input and ideas .
The unity of all works to achieve the spiritual goals God has intended for us and enables us to reach out to the marginalized and spread the Precious Blood spirituality .
“ For in one body we have many members and the members do not all have the same function , so we , through many , are one body in Christ , and individually members of one another ” ( Romans 12:4-5 ). W
March 2017 • The New Wine Press • 11