Dear Friends in Christ,

 

For the past six years diocesan participation in a wonderful program known as Get On the Bus (GOTB) has enabled hundreds of children to reunite with their incarcerated fathers. Thanks to GOTB, many families have received a special gift that would not otherwise be possible: an opportunity for children and fathers to begin or renew a precious relationship. Whenever I visit the incarcerated within our diocese, I hear powerful stories of reunion, reconciliation and healing that have been fostered by GOTB visits. Also when I have attended the follow-up gatherings with the incarcerated, I have heard moving testimonies of what these visits did to transform them. Several teenagers met with their dads for the first time; one woman had not seen her father in 35 years; three young adults visited their terminally ill dad for the first time since they were kids. Through your support you have made such meaningful occasions possible, and we are deeply grateful to the parishes, schools and organizations that have stepped forward in the past years.

 

Once again this year Get on the Bus will be renting 23 busses to provide free transportation for more than 450 children to visit their fathers on June 16th (Father's Day Weekend). The visits will include California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, CTF in Soledad and Salinas Valley State Prison. Program volunteers will prepare parents and guardians for the day's experience, providing general support as well as help in completing all required paperwork. GOTB also provides meals, activities, goody bags for each child and a family photo as a memento of an unforgettable day.

 

GOTB encourages participants to develop and maintain a family bond that serves to decrease recidivism rates and also helps to counteract the negative impacts of parental incarceration on children. Please consider how your faith community can support these children, who wait all year for this significant Father's Day visit. There are many ways to get involved. Soon a GOTB representative may be knocking on your door to ask for help. That representative or a member of the local volunteer will be happy to speak with you, your Social Justice Committee, faculty, staff or parish leaders about how you can partner with Get On the Bus to reunite children with their fathers in prison. It is my fervent hope that you will open your hearts to share in this important ministry.

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Most Reverend Richard J. Garcia, D.D.

Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey

 

 

 

For further information please contact:

Sheilah Lynch (Director of Family Life and Social Concerns) at 831-373-1335 ext. 245