Westchester County Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Joseph K. Spano is honored to announce that His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the New York Archdiocese held mass at the Westchester County Department of Correction. The mass was attended by a group of 60 residents, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, WDOC personnel, Correction Advisory Board members, New York State Commission of Correction personnel and clergy representing diverse faiths, and touched on unity and redemption in this coming holiday season.
Spano said: “We are mindful that being incarcerated during the holiday season presents additional challenges for our residents and their families. To have his Eminence Cardinal Dolan say Mass for our residents leading up to the Christmas Holiday is truly a gift and one that is sure to have a positive impact on their lives.”
Jenkins said: “It was truly an honor for our Department of Correction to host this solemn ceremony during the holiday season. A time to be thankful for what we have and to focus on helping those who are less fortunate. Cardinal Dolan’s support and words of encouragement were impactful and surely benefited attending residents.”
Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerald, who oversees the Departments Spiritual Care Team, said: “Support from the religious community plays a major role in our rehabilitation efforts, both during and after incarceration. This special mass is a blessing that dovetails well with the robust on-site spiritual care services being offered to support the diverse faiths and needs of our residents.”
Cardinal Dolan’s message focused on hope, love and redemption in the holiday season and was well-received by all in attendance. Dolan previously visited the Westchester County DOC in December 2021 when he held mass for approximately 50 female residents.
DOC Director of Pastoral Care, Chaplain Vicki Mills, participated in the mass and was joined by her colleagues, Associate Director Father Jude Egbeji, Father Gonzalo Morocho, Rabbi Abraham Horowitz, Reverend Rick Vargas, Imam Ismail Rashid and Father Ihor Vorortsov. Collectively, they assist in all phases of worship, (including celebration of the sacrament and saying mass), scripture studies, correspondence study programs, religious material distribution and follow-up ministry.
The Westchester County Department of Correction is considered a national leader in the space, recognized for its robust rehabilitation program system and accreditation certifications through the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare and the Prison Rape Elimination Act.