Jail & Prison

Inmates
•    To bring them the Gospel of Good News, reinforcing Christian values so that they can recover their dignity and to assure them of God’s Love.
•    To witness and share with them the fullness of our Catholic Faith, providing scripture and faith studies according to Catholic Catechesis.
To provide RCIA classes for those wishing to complete their sacraments and/or convert to the Catholic Faith.
•    To lead those who already have their sacraments to a fuller and richer participation in their Catholic Faith.
•    To present opportunities for spiritual transformation via four-day Kolby Prison retreats.
Volunteers
•    To provide spiritual growth opportunities for all JM volunteers so that they may also grow and share their faith more fully.
•    To nurture and foster their commitment by providing two annual gatherings where they are recognized and where we celebrate their dedication in God’s service.

What is the ministry’s mission?
From its inception, Jail Ministry has been dedicated to the proposition that every human being is worthy of God’s love through the redemptive power of the cross. Toward that end, the Ministry’s volunteer ministers are dedicated to bringing the Good News to the least of their brethren.

Why reach out to persons who have broken the law?
The New Testament states in Romans 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. There is only one Judge of souls.
Also, 2 Peter 3:9 states “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Isn’t it dangerous to go into these Jail facilities?
In the twenty years that the ministry has been active, no one has ever suffered any injury or been threatened in any way while ministering in any of the facilities. On the contrary, volunteers frequently attest to the unexpected blessings they receive from ministering to their brothers and sisters behind bars.

What are the qualifications for a Jail Minister?
You must be a Catholic in good standing (a practicing Catholic who is able to receive Holy Communion regularly) over 18 years old and registered in a parish within the Diocese. You should be able to share the basic teachings of the church, Catholic prayers and devotions.

What if I want to volunteer but I don’t want to go alone?
You do not have to go alone if you don’t want to. The majority of volunteers minister in pairs or in a group.

What do I need to do if I am interested in volunteering?
Call our office and someone will meet with you and explain the various facilities in your immediate area. Once you have decided where you would like to minister, an application must be filled out and approved by the facility. A background check ( in some instances fingerprints are also required) will be conducted. After approval by the facility, a training session at the facility will follow. When ministering to minors, the Diocese additionally requires a training on “Protecting God’s Children”.

What types of detention facilities house children?
In the four counties within the Diocese, there are three juvenile detention facilities, two juvenile boot camps and twelve immigrant “unaccompanied minors” facilities. Some of the “unaccompanied minors” (immigrant children) are as young as 5 years old.

A Volunteer is an individual who donates time and services to the JM. A volunteer may serve as a religious educator, group leader, mentor, coordinator, facilitator, choir director, translator, typist, etc. A volunteer is assigned according to his/her training and gifts in order to accomplish the Jail Ministry goals.

Volunteers are asked to commit themselves to attend the assigned facility, JM meetings, special events and training sessions required. The volunteer should keep in mind that he or she is going to be a role model for the detainees and offenders; punctuality and commitment are a must, besides having the ability to follow instructions and to comply with the specific rules and regulations of the facility.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Deacon Roman Ramos, Director or Juan Limas . (Include a phone number where we can contact you).

What type of faith formation studies are provided to prison inmates?

• Good News Bible (English) and  Dios Habla Hoy (Spanish)
• Pray in the Spirit (English), Oren en Espiritu (Spanish): Catholic Prayer Book for inmates
• God with Us: A Catholic Bible Study for Inmates by St. Dismas Ministry, a 3-part course (English/Spanish)
• A Reason for Hope: A Catholic Faith Study for Inmates by St. Dismas Ministry, a 3-part  course (English/Spanish)
• Pray Always: A Catholic Prayer Study for Inmates by St. Dismas Ministry, a 3-part course (English)
• A Well Built Faith by Loyola Press (English and Spanish)
• The Bible Time Line by Loyola Press( English and Spanish)
• Consecration to Jesus through Mary – a St. Louis de Montfort spirituality
• Catechism of the Catholic Church by the U. S. Catholic Church
  Outlines of the Catholic Faith (English and Spanish)
• Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron

What type of faith formation studies are offered to ministry volunteers?

Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series consisting of eight books entitled:

Christology, Scripture, Ecclesiology, Church History, Theological Reflections, Mary and the Saints, Christian Morals, and Sacramental Theology by Loyola Press.