Catholic Social Teaching in Action: Dismas Fellowship
Explore how the Dismas Fellowship Network applies Catholic Social Teaching to support ex-prisoner reintegration and community building in Ontario.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN ACTION
Dismas Fellowship Network
[Student Name] · [Course Name] · April 2026
02
OVERVIEW
What Is Dismas Fellowship Network?
Founded in 2003 in a Toronto church basement
Supported by the Archdiocese of Toronto
Mission: Reintegrate ex-prisoners with dignity, faith & community
03
DEMOGRAPHICS
Who Do They Help?
Ex-prisoners recently released from incarceration
Individuals facing stigma and social exclusion
People struggling with housing, employment & addiction
Family members affected by incarceration
04
OPERATIONS
How It Works
Monthly fellowship gatherings (1–2x per month)
Shared meal, guest speaker & group sharing circle
Peer mentorship and volunteer-run support
Active hubs across Ontario: Toronto, Kingston & more
05
CST PRINCIPLES
Catholic Social Teaching Principles
Dignity of the Human Person
Every person has inherent worth
Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
Prioritize the marginalized
Solidarity
We are one community; no one left behind
06
CST IN ACTION
Living the Principles
Every member addressed with respect and dignity — no judgement
Safe space for those stigmatized by society and the justice system
Building genuine community and a sense of belonging
07
GOSPEL CONNECTION
The Word Behind the Work
Jesus calls us to visit the imprisoned
Dismas — the "Good Thief" crucified beside Jesus (Luke 23)
The network is named after him as a symbol of redemption
"I was in prison and you came to visit me."
— Matthew 25:36
08
SERVICE & SACRIFICE
The Gift of Volunteers
Volunteers donate their time every month — no pay, no recognition
Offer emotional support through difficult life transitions
Bring patience, empathy, and consistent commitment
Model what genuine Christian service looks like
09
REAL-LIFE STORY
A Second Chance:<br>Marcus's Story
Released after 4 years — no job, no support network
Faced rejection from employers due to criminal record
Discovered Dismas Fellowship through a church referral
Found community, mentorship, and renewed purpose
Dismas gave me a place where I wasn't defined by my past.
— A community member
10
WHY IT MATTERS
The Bigger Picture
Reduces Recidivism
Community support lowers re-offending rates
Supports Reintegration
Helps ex-prisoners rejoin society with dignity
Builds Safer Communities
A healed person makes communities stronger
11
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What I Learned
CST calls us to see every person as made in God's image
Everyone deserves a second chance — no exceptions
Service means showing up even when it's uncomfortable
I can live these values by treating others with dignity daily
12
CONCLUSION
Key Takeaways
Dismas Fellowship puts CST principles into daily practice
Every person — no matter their past — has dignity and worth
Faith without action is empty; Dismas models true compassion
"In serving the forgotten, we encounter Christ himself."
13
SOURCES
References
Dismas Fellowship Network — www.dismasfellowship.ca
Holy Bible — Matthew 25:36 (New International Version)
Catholic Social Teaching class notes & course materials
Archdiocese of Toronto — Friends of Dismas Inc.
Statistics Canada — Reintegration and Recidivism Research (2022)
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- prison-reintegration
- social-justice
- dismas-fellowship
- community-support
- theology
- volunteer-work