Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Webster Expands Prison Ministry Outreach Through TCI Grant

In the true Christian spirit of faith, charity, and service, the parish at Saints Constantine and Helen Church of Webster, Massachusetts, supported by a Thriving Congregations Initiative microgrant, dedicated its resources to support the development of a prison ministry focused on compassion and restoration. Through this outreach, the parish provided winter essentials, including warm coats, hats, and scarves, to women recently released from incarceration. Some items were purchased new, while others were generously donated by parishioners who felt inspired to serve an often overlooked population. 

The ministry supported women transitioning back into the community from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee, as well as participants from the Western Massachusetts Recovery and Wellness Center in Springfield. In addition to winter clothing, the Saints Constantine and Helen community assembled easy-to-carry backpacks filled with hygiene and personal care items to promote dignity, health, and well-being.

These gifts met immediate physical needs while also conveying powerful messages of love, hope, and encouragement to individuals who have faced significant hardships. Beyond assisting women, the parish’s outreach extended to the families and children of incarcerated or recently released men during the holiday season, offering gifts, nourishment and support to those who are marginalized.

Through these acts of mercy, the congregation of Saints Constantine and Helen beautifully embodied the true spirit of Christmas, sharing love, hope, forgiveness, and almsgiving. May God bless their continued good works, carried out faithfully in the name of our Lord.

TCI microgrants are intended to strengthen ministries and help parishes to carry out good works in the name of Christ.  If your parish is interested in launching a new ministry or outreach initiative and could benefit from additional resources and support please reach out to the Thriving Congregations Initiative team at tciboston@goarch.org.