The Trial

by Fr. Frank Cordaro
Pottawattamie County Jail

Thanks to all the folks who showed up, especially my seven brother priests who were there. It was a small courtroom, so the twenty-five friends and supports who showed up had no trouble filling it. I had enough time before the trial to hug and thank each person who came for support. Special thanks to the Catholic Workers who came from Columbia, Missouri and for Fr. Jack Kissling, my dear friend and campus minister from University of Northern Iowa days. He traveled from Wisconsin to be with us, and a big thanks to Chuck Hannan who represented both Eddy and me before the court.

I must confess, Federal Magistrate Judge Jaudzemis was a surprise. She was 'matter of fact' throughout the proceedings, never once sharing a personal thought or opinion. She allowed me to read my entire 'long-winded' statement, and they proceeded to sentence me to six months without comment. My sister, Dee Dee, who was for support said it was because of all the priests who were in the courtroom that the judge had nothing to say. I'm not sure. I'm not complaining either.

As I left the courtroom I could hear Carla Dawson's ringing voice blessing me on my way. Thank you, Carla, and the rest of the Des Moines Catholic Workers who were there. Knowing that my community will be back in Des Moines doing the day in and day out works of mercies makes my time in captivity all the easier. I love you all.

Pottawattamie County Jail

At the moment, I'm holed up at the Pottawattamie County jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha. Life is filled with ironies. When I was an associate pastor at St. Patrick's in Council Bluffs, I tried getting into this jail to do jail ministry. The sheriff refused to let me minister because I was an unrepentant law-breaker. He was right, and now they can't keep me out.

This is a new jail, but oh so familiar. I'm in a two tier mode with twenty-two two-man cells, a day room with a television, phones, plastic tables and chairs, showers, a small recreation area, and a small classroom for religious programs and AA meetings. There are also two visiting booths for each mode in which visits are done by way of a video-television. I don't like it. It's even more removed than having a visit through a plastic glass window over a phone. The food ain't the worst I've had. Orange is still the color of our clothing but with two piece suits rather than one-piece. Once the guys figure out who I am, they are friendly. Many are taking the opportunity to share their stories and ask for prayers. I will not be in want for priestly work.

No telling how long I will be here. It could be just for a few days or for the whole six months. Time will tell.

Editor's note: Frank called from a facility in Leavenworth. He had thought he was headed for South Dakota, but now he is in Kansas. You may write him. Send mail to:

Frank Cordaro #13093-047
Corrections Corporation of America, Inc.
100 Highway Terrace
Leavenworth, KS 66048

He has no idea how long he will be there.