The Rev. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C., Award - 2018: Gail Thomas McKenna ’71 M.A.

2018: Gail Thomas McKenna ’71 M.A.

With this award, Gail Thomas McKenna ’71 M.A., is honored for her work as a volunteer chaplain ministering to women in prison. 

After earning her ND degree, McKenna served as a director of religious education for 25 years, wrote several books, and traveled around the world to present lectures and workshops. But it was in 1998 that she found her real passion, when she joined a group of women who were presenting a retreat at the Bexar County Jail in San Antonio. The experience inspired her to help make a difference. 

Each week, she meets with about thirty women to share the scriptures from the Sunday readings. Many come to her for counseling, encouragement, and prayer. Through letter writing, she stays connected with others after they are sent to serve their prison terms.  

Several years ago, McKenna published Seeking God While Serving Time — The Faith Journey of Women in Jail to share her experiences. She wants to encourage others to join in jail ministry and to help these women become more accepted by society after they are released. 

McKenna and her husband, the sculptor Jerry McKenna ’62, have five grown children—Colleen, Michael, Patrick, Seán, and Dan ’95—as well as eleven grandchildren.

“My life has been enriched in my ministry with the thousands of women I have met, prayed with, and served over the past twenty years in the Bexar County Jail.  I am greatly honored that Notre Dame had given me this award for the privilege of ministering to my ladies. I believe Father Putz would smile upon these women just as I am honored to do each week.”