Ordained Catholic Priest & Founder of Thrive for Life Prison Project

Zachariah F. Presutti, SJ, founded Thrive for Life Prison Project in New York City. In collaboration and partnership with Jesuit parish communities and alumni of Jesuit high schools and universities, Thrive for Life forms spiritual mentors to offer reflective and meditative resources for an examined life, rooted in the Ignatian spiritual tradition through monthly retreats in more than six correctional facilities in the New York metropolitan area. Two years later, Zach opened Ignacio House of Studies in the Bronx, a transitional supportive living community for formerly incarcerated students as they continue their academic formation post-incarceration. Zach next earned a Master of Divinity degree at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.

Prior to the pandemic he was offering weekly individual and group pastoral counseling at San Quentin State Prison and monthly retreats in other California state correctional facilities. He served as a deacon at St. Theresa’s Church in Oakland, California. His first Mass will be at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City. Now after his recent ordination, Zach is offering sacramental ministry at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City and behind the prison walls throughout the New York metropolitan area.