Father Canterna earns Dismas Award for tireless prison ministry

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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