Catholic Prison Ministry

Matthew 25: 45

He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’

If you are seeking to deepen your faith, then prison ministry may be for you. Jesus’ challenge to us is that we not turn our backs on any one person, or indeed on any specific population group.

The women and men in Indiana’s correctional facilities qualify as some of society’s most despised members – they truly are the “least” among us. Having committed crimes, they have lessened their claim to humanity, and, by serving time, they have lost many of their civil rights. In several senses, then, they have become invisible.

The purpose of the Catholic prison ministry is twofold. First, it hopes to communicate --through readings, discussion, videos, and guest lecturers -- the fundamentals of Catholic belief. Secondly, it seeks to demonstrate by example the Christian precept of love and forgiveness.

Volunteers who participate in this ministry find their faith journey immeasurably enhanced. For example, the content of the program serves to reinforce, and at times fill in the gaps, of every Catholic’s religious knowledge. More important, the thoughts and testimonies offered by the inmates themselves frequently offer new insight into familiar scriptural passages and ritual practices, while adding layers of meaning to what it is to be Catholic.

To date, the Catholic Prison Ministry forms two separate groups. Both serve the prison complex in Pendleton, with one group offering study at the Correctional Industrial Facility on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, and the other at the Pendleton Correctional Facility on the first and third Tuesdays. All these meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8:00 p.m.

Please consider joining us. You will make a difference!

For more information contact:

Deacon Jim MacDougall             Sister Demetria                        Marty Purvis
St Lawrence Church            Mission Office                          St. Ambrose Church
Muncie, IN                        Archdiocese of Indianapolis             Anderson, IN
765-288-9610                    317-261-3366                         765-642-1446