By John Soukup,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Stories of transformation and newfound hope are emerging from behind prison walls throughout the Diocese of Lincoln. Many incarcerated men and women are experiencing the Catholic faith in powerful, personal ways.
“For the first time, I feel like I belong,” Michael said after his baptism. Another incarcerated man, Nolan, described 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 for the first time, he added, “Now I feel connected to someone who will never stop loving me.”
These testimonies reflect the growing impact of the Diocese of Lincoln’s new Prison and Reentry Apostolate, which is aimed at bringing Christ’s love to incarcerated individuals and supporting their journey back into society. The apostolate is led by Levi Baus, who is the director of the apostolate, in addition to being the volunteer coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).
“A few months ago, Bishop Conley asked CSS to take the lead in coordinating diocesan prison ministry efforts,” Baus explained. “It made sense, because the mission of CSS is to carry out the Works of Mercy—and that includes visiting and supporting those in prison.”
The foundation for this ministry was laid years ago by dedicated clergy and laypeople. Father Christopher Kubat, a longtime chaplain for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, has served incarcerated men and women for more than two decades. He followed in the footsteps of mentors like Father Edwin Stander. Priests assigned to parishes in towns such as McCook, York, Lincoln, and Tecumseh have also committed themselves to this ministry. Alongside them, countless lay volunteers have faithfully visited prisoners—living out the Corporal Work of Mercy to “Visit the Imprisoned.”
Inspired by these examples, Baus said, the apostolate focuses on three core goals.
The first is support for clergy. This involves assisting priests in offering sacraments and religious education within correctional facilities.
The second is volunteer engagement: recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with the incarcerated.
And finally, reentry support means helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society through CSS programs offering food, rental assistance, and other support 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, give them resources, and show that they’re not alone in this mission.”
The apostolate will continue to expand to all correctional facilities across southern Nebraska.
“There are 100 men on the weekends attending Mass regularly in one of the prisons,” explained Baus. “They have options to attend a Bible study and catechetical training, which averages about 30-40 participants each week.
He said that in the last year, 14 men have become Catholic, six of whom were baptized. Twelve men receive spiritual direction twice each month.
“The harvest is truly bountiful for one of the prisons right now,” Baus said, “and we look forward to seeing where the Lord takes us.”
Baus emphasized that the apostolate isn’t a one-sided act of charity, 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,” he said. “It’s a shared experience of brokenness, redemption, and grace.”
To get involved with the Diocese of Lincoln’s Prison and Reentry Apostolate, visit csshope.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application.
“This apostolate is about recognizing the dignity of every person,” said Baus. “It’s a concrete way to live out mercy—and to witness the power of faith to change lives.”
Editor’s note: Listen to an interview with Baus on the CSS “Hope in the Good Life Podcast.”
