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The St. Jude Collin County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC) Ministry began with the blessing of Fr. Tim and the CCJDC Administrator to address the need for prison outreach within our community.
The CCJDC is a juvenile detention facility in McKinney, TX housing between 95-110 youth, ages 11-17. The facility staff is keenly attuned to rehabilitation and prides itself by having one of the lowest return rates in Texas.
Under the leadership of Deacon Ron Fejeran and Diocean Deacon Jose Trevino, training and team formations were developed with worship services beginning in August 2007. Three teams (one Female, two Male) continue to provide religious education at CCJDC on the first and third Tuesdays and Saturdays of each month.
In addition to the worship service, and at the suggestion of Deacon Jose, Life Skill training has been incorporated into the curriculum and has been met with great enthusiasm. Life Skills includes training with resume and cover sheet generation, job interview techniques, financial planning, and career guidance. Mock job interviews followed by critiques have been quite popular for both the youths as well as the St. Jude volunteers.
This has been an extremely rewarding ministry for the St. Jude team members. Although the offenses that put these youths in CCJDC are never discussed, in many cases it comes down to a lack of parental involvement, socializing with the wrong people, or substance abuse. This ministry is an opportunity for one to help these youths get back on track and realize their full potential while spreading the word of God to those who desperately need it.
The St. Jude JDC Ministry has been blessed to serve these young offenders for more than ten years now. Those who have been part of it have been enriched beyond measure. Touching the lives of these youngsters and bringing Christ in the Word in their presence is itself a most noble practice.
For more information, or to become involved in this life-changing ministry, contact Deacon Ron Fejeran.