Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Stories of transformation and hope are emerging from prisons in the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. Many incarcerated individuals are experiencing the Catholic faith in meaningful ways.

Michael, after his baptism, expressed a sense of belonging for the first time. Nolan shared his experience of spiritual renewal: “It felt like everything I had done wrong was left in the water. The weight of my past was gone.” After receiving Communion, he added, “Now I feel connected to someone who will never stop loving me.”

These stories highlight the impact of the Diocese of Lincoln’s new Prison and Reentry Apostolate. This initiative aims to bring Christ’s love to incarcerated individuals and support their reintegration into society. Levi Baus leads this apostolate as its director and also serves as the volunteer coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).

Baus explained that Bishop Conley asked CSS to coordinate diocesan prison ministry efforts because it aligns with their mission to carry out the Works of Mercy, including visiting and supporting those in prison.

The foundation for this ministry was laid by dedicated clergy and laypeople over many years. Father Christopher Kubat has served incarcerated men and women for more than two decades, following mentors like Father Edwin Stander. Priests in towns such as McCook, York, Lincoln, and Tecumseh have also committed themselves to this ministry alongside numerous lay volunteers.

Inspired by these examples, Baus said the apostolate focuses on three core goals: supporting clergy in offering sacraments within correctional facilities; engaging volunteers to build relationships with inmates; and providing reentry support through CSS programs offering food, rental assistance, and other services.

“There are people already doing this work quietly—maybe they had a loved one in prison or just felt called to serve,” said Baus. “What we’re trying to do is create a bridge—to connect them with a wider community.”

The apostolate plans to expand across southern Nebraska's correctional facilities. “There are 100 men on weekends attending Mass regularly in one of the prisons,” explained Baus. Bible study and catechetical training attract about 30-40 participants weekly.

In the last year, 14 men have become Catholic; six were baptized. Twelve receive spiritual direction twice monthly.

“The harvest is truly bountiful for one of the prisons right now,” Baus said.

Baus emphasized that this work isn’t a one-sided act but a mutual exchange: “When I sit down with someone inside, I’m not there to fix them. I’m there because I need healing too.”

To get involved with the Diocese of Lincoln’s Prison and Reentry Apostolate, visit csshope.org/volunteer.

“This apostolate is about recognizing the dignity of every person,” said Baus. “It’s a concrete way to live out mercy—and witness faith's power to change lives.”

Listen to an interview with Baus on CSS’s “Hope in the Good Life Podcast.”