Patty Grube has been a prison minister for more than 20 years. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, the Malia Puka O Kalani, Keaukaha, parishioner goes up to Kulani Correctional Facility in Hilo to share the love of Christ with the inmates.

Many have joined her over those two decades. Mary Kelly Polletta, a parishioner of Sacred Heart, Pahoa, has helped for more than three years. She and Grube spend about two hours with the incarcerated men eager to hear the Word and receive the Eucharist.

The first hour is “sharing time.” They talk, visit, and get to know each other.

According to Grube, the conversation is casual, “about what is happening in the community, the ups and downs of their week.”

“They often speak with us about their families and loved ones that they miss so much. They share with us how they felt God’s presence in their lives since the last time we were together.”

The second hour is spent in prayer.

“We listen to the Scriptures from that week’s liturgy,” Grube said. “A reflection is shared and we discuss how the readings spoke to us. Then they receive Eucharist.”

“While imprisoned, many of these men go through quite a transformation,” Grube said. “They develop deep spiritual lives. They study Scripture and pray. The isolation from society that is part of prison life allows them the time to learn and know God’s love for them.”

“Many are truly sorry for the bad choices they have made and have a desire to make amends. They learn slowly how to accept God’s love and forgiveness for their sins.”

“Then, with time, they learn to forgive themselves for the hurt they’ve caused others. It always reminds me of the Scripture about the good thief on the cross,” Grube said.

One inmate described the correctional facility as “our church” and “our Bible study,” explaining “This is where we found God!”

Grube feels privileged that God has chosen her for this ministry, especially when she sees “how God’s transforming love changes an inmate’s life.”

She has seen many such transformations. Often close and lasting friendships develop and continue after release.

“We stay in contact with one another,” Grube said. “They meet my family and I meet theirs. I am invited and attend their family’s celebrations, weddings, baby luaus, birthdays.”

“These are really good people who have made some bad choices. And with God’s help they learn how to make good choices, life-giving choices that benefit themselves, their families, and our entire community.”

How can others support the work of the prison ministry?

“I hope that the parish can remember us in your prayers,” Grube said. “I hope you can pray for the inmates, their families, and the prison ministry that serves them.”

But Grube said she could also use direct hands-on assistance.

“We need your help — especially eucharistic ministers, lectors, priests and deacons. We are always needing help.”

Kulani Correctional Facility periodically hosts the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry Dinner Function. At this dinner, the inmates share testimonials, songs, prayers and skits. Outsiders can attend and listen to the testimonies and offer encouragement by their presence.

Grube said the inspiration and encouragement often flows in the opposite direction, from the inmates to the minister.

“These men do not realize how their stories help us,” she said. “I have been blessed many times. God has blessed me more than anything I have done.”