Episcopal City Mission

All of our programs support our mission of providing support, hope and healing to children in detention.

Spiritual Programs

• A weekly non-denominational worship service tailored for the children; for example, the service might include faith-based music by “rap” artists or live performances of liturgical dance
• Spiritual formation groups, such as studying sacred texts suited to the educational level of the youth
• Individual spiritual guidance, offering faith-based models for living

General Guidance and Support Services

• Self-esteem and healthy relationship programs, looking at violence, substance abuse, and other issues affecting the teens
• Grief groups which address teen issues of grieving and loss
• Individual pastoral care with the on-site chaplain
• Monthly birthday parties, which serve as an affirming social time for the children
• “Reading is Fundamental” allows each child to choose a book of his or her very own each month

Ministry of Presence

Probably the most important aspect of the chaplains‘ time with the children is what we call “the ministry of presence”. Our chaplains walk the halls, visit the units, and play basketball or board games with the youth. The non-anxious presence of our chaplains reassures the teens that someone cares about their spiritual well-being.

History

In 1894, deeply concerned about the lack of pastoral care at various St. Louis City institutions, Charles Holmes, a lay person at Christ Church Cathedral, organized volunteers from the cathedral to minister at City Hospital, the City Jail, the City Workhouse, and the Asylum. Thus was born the Episcopal City Mission.

With the establishment of juvenile facilities in the city, the ministry grew to include pastoral care for children. Eventually, other Protestant denominations joined in this important ministry to those confined in the public institutions of St. Louis. In 1954 the decision was made to divide ministry to these institutions among various denominations. The Episcopal Church asked to continue the ministry to children in detention.

Our ministry to youth was firmly established in the Juvenile Detention Centers and recognized by the Family Court System. ECM became the agency authorized by the Court System to provide for the ongoing spiritual needs of detained children in St. Louis City and County.

Today ECM remains strong in this commitment to providing chaplaincy to youth in detention. Our chaplains offer support, healing and hope at the St. Louis City and County Detention Centers and the Lakeside Residential Center. Through the programs they offer and their caring, listening presence, these chaplains are in a very real sense the compassionate face of a loving God in the lives of the children.