Meet the People Behind It All

“I have been a part of San Dimas for over a year now. It has been very fulfilling for me as a Christian. I joined San Dimas because I and my siblings were these kids back in the day. By the grace of God I was able to break those chains of ignorance and destruction. My brother not so lucky he is serving a life sentence in the State Correctional Facility. My joining the ministry was a way of me to try and help these kids so they will not endure the same pain that my brother and my family has experienced all these years because of us making the wrong choices when we were young.

The kids in juvenile hall have lost their way just as so many of us have at times and their hope is lacking due to their environment. San Dimas brings them the Word to show them there is hope through our Lord. The ministry lets them know there is another way to go and life is so full of possibilities and San Dimas will help them attain it if they want it!

San Dimas ministry is very fulfilling but it’s not easy cause some of those children are so lost and some are not ready to change but just like the prodigal son when we reach one and they change their life, oh what a celebration it is for all the volunteers.. And just like a priest told me we can’t worry about how they take the word, we share God’s word with them and the Holy Spirit will handle it from there.”

“Communidad San Dimas is not only a ministry, but rather a loving family that cares for and supports the youth that need it the most as well as its own volunteers. I am currently a student at the University of San Francisco and found out about the ministry through a flyer given to me by a professor.

Having had experience with family being involved in the Juvenile and Prison systems I was immediately drawn to the ministry. I also knew I was missing something in my spiritual life and with the work San Dimas ministry does I knew it could provide me with an opportunity to give prayer and action into the community.

I have been a volunteer for six months now and I can say with great gratitude that every experience I have had within the Juvenile Hall has been a blessed one where the presence of God is not only felt but embraced and cherished by all. That being said going into any Juvenile Hall can be a hard task and dealing with the youth can be a challenge as well, but as long as you look for the one tiny moment where you feel the presence of the Lord then it makes it all worth it. When you begin this ministry the thought is that you are there to help the youth; whether it is exposing them to the Word, prompting self-improvement and spiritual growth, giving them someone to talk to, or being someone to pray for them, but as time goes on you will find that the youth actually help you with your own spirituality and provide you with an insight that a closed mind and heart would be blind to.”

“...I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Matthew 25:36

“One thing to understand about this ministry is that the work we do is not something with immediate results or even results that will ever be visible to us, but as long as we go with Jesus in our hearts, love in our language, and a smile on our face, then we are doing the work of the Lord.”

“The King will reply ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

“I first learned about Comunidad San Dimas from José and Celida Peñate, who are living a life of voluntary poverty as ministers with InnerChange and who have volunteered with Comunidad San Dimas for years. About two years ago, Ven Garcia, Dana Perrigan and I needed to find a ministry in the community as part of our diaconate training, and we decided to attend a training for San Dimas.  The people were very loving and forgiving, and they really welcomed us new volunteers. We heard about how young people come to the United States, often alone with no contacts, the world of the Norteño and Sureño gangs, the different neighborhoods where gang activity takes place, and about how important the presence of Jesus Christ, through the words of scripture and prayer, can be in changing the lives of young persons in trouble.

I visit the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center on Monday nights, and sometimes go to court for one of the youth if they ask me to be there for them. I go to immigration court, too, if needed. No matter where I am called, I try to pray a lot. Before Monday nights, I read the scriptures that we are going to share with the youth and meditate on them, trying to see how we can make the word of God relevant to their lives. Reading scripture in this way has helped me to understand that Jesus came to bring everyone to the Father. I never used to think about these troubled youth, with their loud bragging voices, and their tattoos, and their low-slung pants, as special to God, but being with them in the jail, where they are vulnerable, I have come to understand that every one of us is specially loved by God because we are his creatures, loved by God exactly as I love my own children.

I’m not sure I agree that hope and love are really virtues. Hope is a necessity of life, and so is love. You can’t survive without the strength that comes from being loved, or the will to go on provided by hope. Bringing the word of God to incarcerated youth is like giving a drink of water to a man lost in the desert. It means life, abundant life; it means hope for a better way of living. I am happy to be able to help in this important work.”

“I joined the Comunidad San Dimas ministry earlier this year. I knew that I wanted to volunteer but wasn't sure where and what I wanted to do. When I saw the notice in the Catholic San Francisco newspaper, I immediately knew this was the ministry for me!! God was definitely calling me to join this organization. The volunteers at San Dimas are wonderful and giving people, each with different talents and backgrounds and bound together by a common goal to share the word of God with the youth in juvenile hall. Each time I visit the youth, I see the presence of God in many ways, sometimes its an acknowledgment of God's word, a sincere prayer, a smile and gratitude that the volunteers are there to visit and share with the young people. The kids inspire me and I trust in God that we are planting seeds for their spiritual growth and salvation and giving them hope.

It requires a bit of time and the return and rewards are overwhelming. Each time I go I seem to learn more from the kids than what I am able to share with them. It is amazing to see God's hand in the ministry and the powerful and wonderful impact it has on the youth. I am so grateful to be part of this ministry and to receive all the support from the other volunteers and our leader, Julio. This ministry is very special and while it can be challenging at times, the rewards are immeasurable. If you desire to share the word of God with others and make a difference in a young person's life, please consider this ministry. You will receive much encouragement and support from the other volunteers and the visits with the young people will have a lasting and positive impact on your life. I know that it has been a very wonderful experience for me and I thank God for tapping me on the shoulder to join this ministry and to trust in Him.”

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord".

Psalm 31:24

“I am very new with Communidad San Dimas. My first impression was wonderful. I was greeted by Jaime who has a terrific smile. The volunteers spoke of how they came to be at CSD and we heard testimonials from youth who have been helped. We shared a lunch of beans, rice, chicken fajitas and tortillas. It reminded me of our parish picnics with my father and mother when I was a little girl. But it's more than that. The presence of God can be felt in every aspect of Communidad San Dimas.

I walk the trails of nature working out my salvation. I think about the troubles of my youth and the losses I have experienced and how God had not abandoned me. He introduced me to my grief councilor who helped me through life. We were such good friends when God called her home - He didn't abandon me - He introduced me to Julio - there was an immediate connection in our stories. I suspect our Blessed Mother had a hand in it since I first saw the CSD flyer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

On these nature walks the quiet helps me see the yellow and lavender wild flowers, or a hawk soaring through the sky and I pray for Communidad San Dimas and I thank God for this community, where we share God's word with the youth. Often times they teach me more than I teach them.

There is a lot of smiles and a lot of sharing. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to give and be a part of this.......

‘Where there is Love

Where there is Charity

There is God’”

“I go and participate mostly on Monday Nights where we bring them pizza and share the Sunday readings with them. As a prayer group, we usually have to compete with whatever NFL game is on TV that night; but I’d say we are winning. I just go to Juvie with my white sweater on and cry, I cry, I cry and I cry…’Mercy! I cry Mercy! His Love endures forever! We’re going back to the Father, back to the Son, back to the Spirit: God 3 in 1!’ (lyrics from a Catholic Rap song I usually sing to the guys towards the end of service.)

I have been a minister with Comunidad San Dimas for about nine months now. I really didn’t know what to expect, other than knowing that I was going to meet a number of incarcerated youth who have been through a lot of hardships growing up in their households and neighborhoods. Starting off I wasn’t too sure if I was fit for the ministry or not, I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try since I was a troubled teen myself and knew a little bit about their lifestyle. I tried several other ministries before, but I still had not found what I was looking for. I wanted to serve the Lord in a place where I felt welcomed and needed. I have found that place in Comunidad San Dimas, mainly because the group as a whole is multi-cultural and a mixture of young and old, just very diverse. Not to mention that the goal of Comunidad San Dimas has also been to implement Restorative Justice in our society, where the prison industry is big business. No easy task I must say.

‘The work is much, but the laborers are few.’ Jesus teaches us that there is more joy in heaven for one sinner that repents and converts than for 99 that are just.

Throughout that time I have adapted my style of spreading the ‘Good News’ to the youth in a more simplistic and caring manner that has more effect with young men and women than trying to scare them with God’s wrath and impending judgment. Although I admit that sometimes I still use a touch of that. First, they need to see in tangible ways that somebody truly cares about them and wants the best for them by being there but also offering some support and providing for their essential needs. The Gospel is still the same but the youth need to feel loved and understood at their level before they can trust or want to take any kind of advice. As I’ve gotten to know a good many of them, I’ve come to see that many of the young men in there already have a healthy habit of praying when they wake up and before they go to sleep and reading the Bible. Many of these youth went to church on a weekly basis. While a few know perfectly well that the only reason they are alive still is because God’s Mercy has literally saved them from deadly situations.

I give Glory to God for all I’ve learned and keep learning inside and outside the prison walls. I plan to continue offering my skills and talents in this ministry until God redirects me elsewhere or it could be that this is my life’s calling.”

“Comunidad San Dimas came to my attention via Immaculate Heart Radio (AM 1260). Through a program at work, I had mentored students from Mission High in San Francisco for several years. It was a good program, but it was ending and I felt compelled to do more, The radio message felt like God calling. Before I heard the stories of other volunteers and met incarcerated youths, I assumed (remembering my own proud attitude when I was young) that there would be a hard aloofness. I was wrong. These young people want to believe in good (in God), and our witness may well be the evidence that tips the scale. The sense of doing God's work is clear; I could feel the Holy Spirit from the very start.

Anyone considering joining Comunidad San Dimas should read in Matthew 25: ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ For many of us, the idea of actually doing the last of these good deeds takes us furthest out of our comfort zones. And our natural inclinations are not always merciful. I admit myself that stories of criminal behavior can get me very angry, and I can be extremely judgmental. But Jesus Himself said, ‘Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.’ Pope Benedict XVI, in his brilliant ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ explains that we cannot be forgiven ourselves—to reach a state of grace—if anger remains inside us, corroding our hearts. Jesus, even in the agony of his last hour, went so far as to ask forgiveness for those who were arguably committing the greatest outrage in history—killing the author of life. We, God's children, are called to follow His example, to love our brothers and sisters, because they are beloved of God, and He, Father of all, desires that we love one another. ‘His love encompasses even the least deserving among us.’

Jesus died for the sins of all, and, like St. Dismas, the ‘Good Thief,’ all who repent and put their complete faith in God are promised salvation. Unfortunately, many young people grow up in an environment that seems designed to lead them into trouble and away from God. My own childhood environment was very favorable, yet I still managed to get into trouble, and some of my friends met with bad ends. But God creates us with free will, and anyone can choose righteousness. The young are especially open to changing course. Your words, and your smile (and the fact that you have no ulterior motives—a strange thing for some) will touch a heart, sooner or later. And the ripple effect, the chain reaction of good, may travel all the way to eternity.”

“There was a deacon at my parish who was involved in visits to the Juvenile Hall in San Mateo and he was very passionate about the youth and making a difference in their lives. I received a tug from the Holy Spirit, but I didn’t pursue the calling. Then I saw an article in the SF Catholic News about CSD going to visit the youth in the Juvenile Hall. A fellow parishioner was involved, so I inquired with him about CSD. He was on fire about this ministry and directed me to an upcoming training. The Holy Spirit gave me a push this time by reminding me that we are called to visit the imprisoned.

My husband was apprehensive about me visiting juveniles; he asked if he could come check it out with me. We both came away with the impression that the group of almost 20 boys that we visited, were polite, respectful, participated well, and were thankful that we came to share the word of God. The CSD ministers were very kind, giving, and loving to the boys and to us and I felt like I wanted to be a part of this group.

I have been an active member with CSD now for 15 months and I highly recommend this ministry. I am reading the bible more often and that has helped me to grow spiritually. The kids really seem receptive to hearing the word of God and talking about it with us. I have had some heartwarming moments and this group is a blessing in my life.”

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

Hebrews 13:3

“‘Where to begin when there is a lot to say about a ministry who has changed your life’ - I still remember the first day I walked in Juvenile Hall… I was shaking, not because I was afraid, but because I knew the great responsibility that was ahead of me… I have been volunteering with San Dimas for over a year now. I don’t regret any single time I have visited incarcerated young man. It has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.

Ever since my passion of working with youth, I knew that going to juvenile Hall was one of the best decisions ever made. Of course my journey has been way much easier with such of caring and loving people from San Dimas, to begin with Rosita Solis, who has been a great example of commitment and passion for the ministry. I really thank God for getting to know such of beautiful person. Visiting Juvenile Hall is very important to me not only because I get to show some love to young boys and girls who are actually in need of someone who really cares for them. But also because I get to bring the Word of God to them. It’s incredible to see the lack of spiritual guidance that some of these young men have.

It is our mission and our calling to bring joy, love and peace guided by the Holy Spirit to those who need it… If you are reading this and feel that God is calling you, please do not mute his voice. There are a lot of teenagers who need just a little bit of what you have (love)… I am thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to be part of San Dimas, an awesome and dedicated ministry.”

“It has now been nearly two years since I underwent the required training for the San Dimas ministry.

During that time, I have enjoyed having the opportunity to go into the S.F. Juvenile Justice Center on Sunday mornings and, in the company of other volunteers, bringing the Word and the Presence of God to incarcerated youth.

I believe that, in general, the youth have been very responsive to the ministry. Many of the faces I see each week are the same, and that makes me think that we are presenting ourselves in a good manner, and that they are getting something out of the service.

I think that this is such an important ministry because, at this crucial stage of their lives, these youth have the potential to put their lives on a new and hopeful path that will make them positive, productive citizens of our society. They have been damaged by varying circumstances, but are not without the hope it takes for them to seek the healing and support they need. I think San Dimas is in a position to provide that support. As a member, I feel privileged to be a part of this effort. And I believe I have grown spiritually while being a part of this ministry.

San Dimas has undergone some changes during the last two years as well. I look forward to being a part of this ministry in the future and, hopefully, to play a role in its new form.

All in all, my experience with San Dimas has been an excellent one. I thank julio and the many volunteers for making it so.”