Prison and Jail Ministry
What We Do
We provide a Catholic presence to the incarcerated through weekly Catholic religious services and the sharing of Catholic educational resources.
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We promote restorative practices within our Catholic schools, communities, and criminal justice system through educational programming and training.
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We accompany those returning to society after incarceration, and help create welcoming faith communities by building awareness and relationships.
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Serving the Incarcerated
A Ministry of Presence
Established over 40 years ago, the ministry serves individuals in 20 correctional facilities throughout our 11-county diocese. More than 50 program volunteers, including Bishop David Walkowiak, lay men and women, priests, and deacons bring messages of hope to those incarcerated within our diocese. The volunteers bring these messages of hope through prayer, holy Communion, Bible study and OCIA.
The Importance of Catholic Services in Prison
Recently we interviewed and recorded men who attend our Catholic services at Muskegon Correctional Facility and Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. In this video you will hear powerful messages from our incarcerated friends on how attending Catholic services in prison has impacted them, and how having access to the sacraments radically changes them and their culture.
Volunteer Resources
Click icons below to locate the appropriate resource.
- scheduleVolunteer Schedules
- Communion Service Sheets
- Newsletters
October/November Communion Service Sheets
October
- 10.5.25 Communion Service Sheet
- 10.12.25 Communion Service Sheet
- 10.19.25 Communion Service Sheet
- 10.26.25 Communion Service Sheet
November
Prison and Jail Ministry Newsletters
- September/October 2025
- July/August 2025
- May/June 2025
- March/April 2025
- January/February 2025
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice
Restorative practices hold people accountable while protecting society, healing harm, and helping to rehabilitate those who violate the law. The Prison and Jail Ministry formed the Michigan Restorative Justice Council to help educate and train our community and the incarcerated in restorative practices. This council was formed as an initiative of the 3rd Annual Michigan Restorative Justice Conference: Radical Forgiveness. The Council is comprised of judges, lawyers, religious leaders, experts in restorative justice, elected officials, returned citizens and individuals who have been harmed by crime.
Additional Information
Responsibility. Rehabilitation, and Restoration - A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice
Paths of Renewed Encounter - A Restorative Justice Engagement Guide for Catholic Communities
Bridging the Gap, Shaping the Restorative Narrative
Views on LIFE Newsletter Spring/Summer 2024
Restorative Practice Resources for School Educators
Re-entry Outreach (G.R.O.W. Program)
Guiding Returning Citizens to Our World (G.R.O.W.)
G.R.O.W. began in 2018 and is a re-entry outreach ministry for people returning from incarceration. After incarceration, G.R.O.W. helps our Catholic brothers and sisters reintegrate into society by offering guidance, support, and resources. Through G.R.O.W., we journey with individuals as they re-enter society and help them find a faith community where they can continue to grow spiritually.
Are you interested in learning more about this program? Contact us at 616-475-1255.
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
Tricia Worrell, director616.475.1255 or tworrell@grdiocese.org
Nicole Doppel, assistant616.246.0592 or ndoppel@grdiocese.org
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