After six transformative years at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater (MCF-Stillwater), SJ CPE has officially transitioned its in-person programming to the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Faribault (MCF-Faribault). The first MCF-Faribault cohort launched on September 15, bringing together two outside faith leaders and three men who are incarcerated for a four-month journey of learning from one another and building upon their abilities to promote healing.
The necessity for this move is due to the planned closure of MCF-Stillwater. While the location has changed, the heart of SJ CPE remains steadfast, providing interfaith theological education for spiritual care that brings together seminary students, faith leaders, and individuals who are incarcerated in a shared experience of reflection, exploration, and transformation. As we begin this new chapter, please remember all of our CPE alumni still incarcerated at MCF-Stillwater who continue to offer spiritual care and carry on the legacy of SJ CPE within that community.
The transition to MCF-Faribault marks a new chapter in SJ CPE’s groundbreaking work. It ensures continuity of access to interfaith spiritual education and spiritual care for incarcerated individuals, while expanding opportunities for outside students to form peer groups within MCF-Faribault and to continue to serve across VOA MN/WI programs, including VOA High School, Youth Residential Services, Housing, and Amicus.
We would like to thank SJ CPE’s supporters at the Minnesota Department of Corrections, MCF-Stillwater, and MCF-Faribault for recognizing the tremendous impact of SJ CPE and working in partnership with us to ensure that individuals who are incarcerated will continue to have access to this important resource. We are also deeply grateful to you, our donors and partners, whose support makes this work possible. Your generosity sustains a program that not only transforms lives within prison walls but also shapes compassionate, courageous spiritual care leaders who carry their insights into communities across Minnesota and beyond.