Russ Ford’s Bio

Date of Birth

December 17, 1957

Completion in the Catholic Faith

Decision as Catechumen:  August 1988

Baptized: February 11, 1989

RCIA and Teaching

Taught one on one catechism evangelistically August 1988 to present.

Taught group basic catechism classes June 1989 to May 1997

Taught group advanced catechism January 1990 to May 1997

Taught group apologetics January 1990 to May 1997

Taught English/Writing Skills for GED students June 1998 to May 1997

Books

The Missionary’s Catechism

Rose Without A Thorn in production, co-authored with Michael A. Mayola

Prisoner Without Chains in production with Steve Kellmeyer

The Lay Evangelist Handbook in production

Simon P. Johnson in production

Buckethead Instructs Bubba in production

I’m Okay, You’re An Idiot in production

Health

Bad back

Fractures that never healed

Arthritis

Articles

Not Tough Love, Not Soft Love, but True Love: Advice to Parents of Incarcerated Sons

Evangelizing From the Bottom Up (5 part series)

Criminal Rehabilitation – Catholic Style

A Greased Slide to Hell

Special Sons of the Mother of God    

Prison Yard Apologetics

Buckethead Gets the Foot

Incarcerated Atheists

Kickin’ Bobo In the Big House

Tawkin’ Ta Dead Folks

If Only I Could

The Equalizer (apologetics reference booklet)

Analysis of NCCB’s Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice.

Mr. Ford has also written for the following publications:  The Family; Marian Helpers; Fatima Family Messenger; Immaculate Heart Messenger; Immaculata Magazine; This Rock; Communio; 30 Days (while still published by Ignatius); Homiletic and Pastoral Review; La Renaissance; The Wanderer; several publications in the British Empire and lesser U.S. and Canadian publications.

Parole Hearing Results

October 1995: Priest refused three requests by Parole Board Member for a written report of all sins confessed to him by Mr. Ford. The Parole Board Member stated that Mr. Ford would not be considered favorably for parole unless this condition was met.  

November 1996: Denied, no reasons given.

November 1997: Denied, no reasons given.

July 2001: Denied, no reasons given

Significant Accomplishments

Co-founded prison system’s GED program with Mr. Phil Hanna                                    

Founded non-profit corporation for First Century Christian Ministries and it’s subsidiary, Prisoners of the Perfect Prisoner National Network.

Founded Killian Mooney Catechetical Institute.

Received business degree from Faulkner University.

Received associate in computer science from J. F. Ingram Technical College.

Received personal congratulations and blessing from Holy Father on writing accomplishments.

Officially installed as Catechist for Archdiocese of Mobile.

Officially installed as Lector for Archdiocese of Mobile.

Served as assistant to psychologist Michael Hanes and facilitator in his Anger Management Program - 2 years.

Voluntarily requested nine years of intensive one-on-one therapy with various psychologists.

Student aide, J.F. Ingram Computer Science Dept.

Invited to appear live on Divine Mercy TV, Boston. Request denied by prison authorities.

The only Alabama convict ever to publish a book. The Missionary’s Catechism

St. Joseph Communication offers Russ’ 2-audiotape recorded series: No Escape: The Conversion of Russell Ford.

Personal References

Dr. Wm. May – John Paul II Institute

Dr. Peter Kreeft – Boston College

Fr. Joseph Fessio – Ignatius Press

Hon. Sterling V. Frith – Attorney

Mr. Karl Keating – Author & Publisher

Mr. Martin Barrack – Author that’s me

Mr. Paul O’Connell – Publisher

Msgr. Lawrence Sweeney – Catholic Priest

Fr. William Casey – Superior General, Fathers of Mercy

Miss Beverly Coscarelli – Actress

Mr. James P. Freeney – Technical College Instructor

Mr. Kenneth Scott – Technical College Instructor

Dr. Joseph Strada – Defense Contractor

Most Rev. Oscar H. Lipscomb – Archbishop of Mobile

Fr. Michael Sreboth – Catholic Priest

Fred Isaacs, Esq.

Professor Chas. E. Rice, Notre Dame Law School

G.J. “Dutch” Higginbotham, Alabama State Board of Education

Betty Higginbotham, Professor - Auburn University, Alabama