Visit the Imprisoned

Prison Ministry

“…I was in prison and you visited me …whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!” (Mt 25:36-40).

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ. Below are some suggestions for you to consider:

  • Pray for those who are imprisoned and for their family members
     
  • Join a parish prison ministry team and meet with inmates for faith sharing opportunities at your county jail or a state prison.
     
  • Write letters to inmates, many of whom receive no mail at all.
     
  • Form or join a prayer group to pray for those who are incarcerated. Pray for their journey towards healing and wholeness, for their communities, and for the victims and others affected by their crimes.
     
  • Advocate by talking/writing to legislators about supporting policies that uplift the dignity of the human person for those who are/were incarcerated. Such policies would address the criminal justice system, and issues such as sentencing and restorative justice.
     
  • Prayerfully gather to support family and friends of those incarcerated or those who have returned to living in our communities.
     
  • Donate religious materials (requirements vary at each facility; please contact Parish Social Ministry for an approved list).
     
  • Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.

Stories of Service from Our Diocese

Finding a path to light and freedom - Harvest magazine 

Scripture

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (Isaiah 61: 1-3).

"For the Lord hears the poor, and does not spurn those in bondage" (Psalm 63: 34).

Bishop Robert Deeley

"Wherever we are, no matter where we are, we can receive God’s mercy. It is where we find God’s love for us. Visiting the imprisoned helps them deepen in their hearts an appreciation of God’s care for them and help them care for one another. We can see the face of the Father in the faces of even those who have fallen outside the law or who violated the rules of our society. I pray for them that their lives may be better, that they may be safe, that they may know that God still loves them. And I hope they pray for me, too.”

Other Corporal Works of Mercy