Catholic International University

A Story of Redemption

Make a Gift of Hope

Redemption

It’s not a word we talk about regularly. Maybe that’s because it’s not something we can accomplish on our own. It is simply the sacrificial love of God for each of us, despite our own sinfulness.

With your help, CatholicIU brings the message of Christ’s redemptive love to those who are often forgotten and perhaps need to hear it most: the incarcerated.

Together, we are making a difference.

Where despair once reigned, hope is restored.

Take Patrick, for instance.

true freedom, even behind bars

Patrick was an 8-year-old boy living on the streets of Las Vegas with a mom and grandmother addicted to crack. He struggled with hunger, hygiene, and a complete lack of hope. For a time, Patrick lived in a group home and found among the staff a loving father figure who encouraged and supported him. Patrick learned about the Catholic faith and was baptized. Still, he grew older, chose the wrong crowd and made some devastating choices.

Patrick is currently serving a 40-year prison sentence.

His story could end here—in darkness, sin and despair. But instead, Patrick chose Christ. With access to Catholic International courses, the seed of faith planted years ago in Patrick’s heart has grown and flourished.

As a result of his studies, Patrick founded a chapter of the Legion of Mary and is now a force for evangelization within his prison. His personal life of prayer has grown, he is acutely aware of God’s mercy, and he invites others to get to know Jesus.

In fact, Patrick has said that the best part of his week is receiving his new coursework from Catholic International! These courses are only possible because of your support.

And that father figure Patrick encountered years ago? He and his family are in touch with Patrick regularly, paying his tuition bills because he sees the change in Patrick – the joy in his heart, the hope in his future, and the love in his actions.

“I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew (25:36)

Catholic International University’s digital prison ministry began in 2018 with the launch of the first Continuing Education catechetical course, The Gospel of St. Matthew. At the start, it was available in 50 correctional facilities, with 52 incarcerated students participating.

Six years later, the growth in this effort has been extraordinary!

115 multi-lesson CatholicIU courses are accessible on the secure Edovo platform
28 courses are available in Spanish
CatholicIU content is available in more than 1,600 prisons, in 48 states plus the District of Columbia
3.5 million lessons have been taken inside prison walls

And more than 20,000 incarcerated students are served annually. That means more than two people every hour of every day are coming to know Jesus through your support of CatholicIU content.

Catholic International is not your typical university. We break down barriers and give access to educational offerings in ways that traditional brick-and-mortar schools do not. We focus on the whole person, knowing that each of us is a child of God.

make a gift of hope

To visit, teach, and accompany the incarcerated person is to affirm that redemption is real, that salvation is possible and that every life holds meaning and purpose.

Please consider a gift to support the work of providing what our state systems cannot: forming consciences, discerning vocations, affirming dignity, and restoring hope.

Together, we can ensure no life is written off, no future is foreclosed, and no person believes themself beyond redemption.

Make a Gift of Hope