It's a beautiful Sunday morning in the mountains above San Dimas. Volunteer Jim -- he doesn't want to tell his last name --- is walking into Camp Glenn Rockey, a juvenile detention camp for incarcerated young men ages 13-19.

"Look at those mountains!" he exclaims. "It's like heaven on earth!"

Here, surrounded by nature, young men are evaluating their past and being challenged to create new lives.

Helping them along the way are volunteers such as Jim from nearby parishes, members of Detention Ministry who have been faithfully attending to the spiritual needs of young men in prison.

Staffed and funded at the parish level, the ministry is guided at an archdiocesan level under the banner of Restorative Justice, which aims to heal and comfort both abuser and victim.

"It's a unique ministry that is not suited for everybody," says Ron Atkinson who coordinates the parish efforts at the three local detention centers in the eastern San Gabriel Valley --- Glenn Rockey along with Camp Afflerbaugh and Camp Joseph Paige, both in La Verne.

In addition to organizing volunteers from his home parish, Holy Name of Mary Church, Atkinson also arranges volunteers from St. Louis of France in La Puente, Our Lady of the Assumption in Claremont and St. John the Baptist in Baldwin Park.

Volunteers lead weekly Bible studies, teach weekly sacramental preparation classes and organize Sunday celebrations. They have assisted the youth with personal issues as well as lending a supportive ear to the camp staff who often get overwhelmed with their job.

"We have about 25 volunteers right now," says Atkinson rattling off names and service years of some of the long-time volunteers --- 20, 25, even 30 years. (The aforementioned Jim says he's racked up an impressive 35 years with the ministry.)

Atkinson stresses that many bright-eyed, would-be volunteers, who come to the ministry with the idea of "saving lives," need to look elsewhere for an appropriate ministry. "This can be a very difficult ministry," he stresses. "Most times we don't know what happens after the boys leave. What we do mainly is listen and remind the youth --- as well as the staff --- that God still loves them and hasn't given up on them. But, it's up to them to reconcile with God. We can't make that happen."

Special day
Back at Glenn Rockey, preparations are being made for today's Eucharistic celebration which includes a special event: one young man, Eloy (not his name), is receiving all four sacraments. For this special day, his family is allowed to participate.

Volunteer Hosea and his wife Maria are transforming --- as much as possible --- this indoor basketball court into a church, by arranging chairs and turning a boom box to softly play "Amazing Grace." On a long table, they place a simple crucifix and a single candle. They have been coming here for four years.

"I have learned a lot from them," says Hosea, who admits when he used to see kids gathered together on the street, "they were scary for me. Now, I see children of God, human beings who are trying to find their way home."

Led by staff, the youth arrive, shaking hands at the door with the volunteers. They are greeted in English and Spanish.

"My experience with the criminal justice system is that it's stacked against the poor," says Atkinson. "These are the ones who can't afford good legal representation, so they end up going to jail."

The faces of the youth at today's service seem mixed. A few look tired or bored, yet there are many who look eager and open.

Today's celebrant, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Father Bill Moore --- who's been visiting juvenile facilities for 18 years --- says there is a receptivity in these incarcerated youth that he rarely sees in parishes.

"On the whole, these kids put to shame many of our youth who come to church and don't pay attention or who aren't really present," he says. "These boys are hungry for something. Our job is to keep telling them how wonderful and loved they are."

After the Gospel reading, Eloy comes up to receive baptism. His eyes are downcast but he is alert and attentive. "All of us will help you," reminds Father Moore. "Do you understand the importance of what you are about to do?"

Eloy nods. He places his shaved head under the bowl and water spills around him. "You have become a new creation," announces Father Moore. "Congratulations." Eloy shyly smiles and appears awkward in the limelight.

During the liturgy, special prayers are said for the victims and enemies of the youth gathered here today. After Communion, the youth kneel on the floor near a table where an image of Mary has been placed. Many go over to where volunteers lay hands on their heads and offer special personal prayers.

Near the end of the celebration, there is an announcement. One of the boys is "going home this week." There is applause --- and some lingering uncertainty.

After all, these young men have had time to think, reflect and ponder their life as they serve out their sentence away from the pressures of home, school and the street. Once released, they will be challenged once again.

Before the conclusion of the service, Eloy joins one of the volunteers to recite the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. The words are appropriate and especially poignant.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love…"

For information about Detention Ministry in the San Gabriel Valley, contact Ron Atkinson at (909) 593-4143.