The Franciscan tradition compels us to bring friendship and help to the outcast. For Francis, today’s “leper” might be those who are incarcerated. To this end, many of our ministries have taken up prison outreach efforts.
To add to the list, contact Fran Eskin-Royer in Holy Name Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
PRISON MINISTRY
Anderson, S.C.
Ministry work includes weekly visitation of Catholics at the Anderson County Jail. If the visit includes Reconciliation or Communion, meetings are held face to face in a secure room. Otherwise, telephone access is arranged through a Plexiglas wall with other ministers. Two weekly Spanish-language Masses are held at the federal wing of the Anderson City Jail, with the opportunity for Reconciliation. The opportunity for Reconciliation is also offered monthly at the Perry Correctional Facility, a high-security, long-term prison. Finally, those involved in the ministry also work to expunge the records of ex-criminals in support of employment.
Contact: St. Mary of the Angels Parish
PRISON MINISTRY
Boston, Mass.
Ministry work includes visits to Boston’s Suffolk County House of Corrections,
coordinated by the parish’s JustMatters Group. Those who wish to participate in the ministry must pre-register and obtain security clearance. To learn more click here.
Contact: Fr. Gene Pistacchio, OFM
PRISON MINISTRY
Durham, N.C.
The ministry focuses on helping those who are incarcerated discover forgiveness, reconciliation and God’s love through visits, letters, prayers, advocacy and other activities.
Contact: Larry DeCarolis
PRISON MINISTRY
Greenville, S.C.
The mission of St. Anthony of Padua Prison Ministry is to maintain a physical presence within local prisons to spread the Good News of the love of Jesus Christ and His promise of salvation to all who call upon His name. Additionally, the ministry supports outreach programs such as Kairos, Goodwill Industries, halfway houses, and worship services within local prisons. The ministry and outreach programs benefit inmates both spiritually and financially.
Contact: Gwen Whitner
PRISON MINISTRY
Triangle, Va.
The Prison Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish offers friendship, inspiration, and spiritual enrichment to young people in Prince William County’s Juvenile Detention Center. The monthly visits include recreational activities, birthday celebrations, and support.
Contact: Lisa Ostendorf
PRISON MINISTRY
Wilmington, Del.
Friars, parishioners and Franciscan Volunteers visit Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (aka Gander Hill Prison) in Wilmington, and talk with prisoners. Special effort is made to connect with Hispanic prisoners who speak only Spanish.
Efforts are also made to make visits to other local prisons, as time and personnel allow.
Contact: St. Paul’s Parish 302-655-6596
PRISON MINISTRY BY THE FRIARS
Loudonville, N.Y.
Several friars at Siena are involved in prison ministry at Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton, N.Y., and occasionally at other facilities. Their main involvement is as sacramental ministers, celebrating the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and sometimes Baptisms and Confirmations. They also help to run a weekly Bible study, a confirmation class (as needed), and a semiannual weekend retreat called Residents Encounter Christ.
A few friars have taught courses in the college program that Siena runs at Mt. McGregor. The friars volunteer to offer for-credit college courses from the Siena catalog. Students can apply these credits to a Siena degree or transfer them to another institution when they are released.
Contact: Fr. Dennis Tamburello, OFM
PRISON PEN PAL MINISTRY
Raleigh, N.C.
The Mission of the Prison Pen Pal Ministry is to reach out to incarcerated men and women in a special way through written correspondence that serves as their eyes and ears to the outside world.
Contact: Trevor Thompson
KAIROS PRISON MINISTRIES
Triangle, Va.
Kairos Prison Ministries involves screened volunteers visiting and interacting with adults who are incarcerated. Kairos volunteers return monthly to provide mentoring and guidance through accountability groups with the goal of examining new ways of thinking and providing community.
Contact: Lisa Ostendorf