Father Charles “Chuck” Canterna, who has worked tirelessly in prison ministry for nearly five decades, has been named the 2025 St. Dismas Award recipient by the Dismas Ministry, a national prison outreach organization.
Father Canterna, 76, has been a full-time prison minister in Maryland since the early 1980s.
“His commitment exemplifies the essence of this award – not as a single act, but as a lifetime of transformative service that has positively impacted countless individuals behind bars,” said Dismas Ministry in a media release announcing the award. “Through his work, Father Chuck has enriched lives, nurtured hope, and inspired faith within prison communities, fostering a deep sense of belonging and spiritual connection.”
The Freeport, Pa., native and St. Mary’s Seminary graduate began work at prisons in Baltimore a few years after his 1976 ordination and hasn’t stopped. His ministry included some 15 years serving as a chaplain to those on death row.
“Those of us who have been blessed to serve on his prison ministry team here in Baltimore have come to know him as a go-to spiritual counselor, a true inspiration, and a good friend to those in need,” said Charlotte Ponticelli, who nominated Father Canterna for the award. “Talk to anyone who knows him and you will hear him described as a living saint.”
The Dismas Ministry said Father Canterna’s ministry is marked by a “hands-on approach that reflects the teachings of Christ. By consistently engaging in pastoral work, he has built a strong spirit of community and increased awareness of the needs and humanity of those in prison. His ability to elicit compassion and support for this often-overlooked population speaks volumes about his heart for service and unwavering faith.”
The award will be presented to Father Canterna at a special gathering in March, close to the feast of St. Dismas (March 25).
Past St. Dismas Award winners:
2024 – John Hallinan, (Alaska)
2023 – Toni Jordon (St. Louis, MO)
2022 – Paul Caruso (Georgia)
2021 – program suspended due to the pandemic
2020 – Bill Gaertner (Maryland)
2019 – Rev. Christian Reuter,_ OFM_ (Missouri)
Also read: The Least of These: Care for prisoners doesn’t stop after release
Click play below to listen to listen to a Catholic Baltimore show about prison ministry. Father Caterna discusses his ministry on death row.
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