Prison and Jail Ministry
A Ministry of Presence
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.
Informational Session - Save the Date!
The Prison and Jail Ministry develops and maintains Catholic religious services within six state prisons located in our diocese. We offer 16 weekly services in the prisons including Masses, Communion services, OCIA, and Bible studies. We also donate Catholic religious materials and administer the sacraments in 11 county jails as needed.
We are currently seeking new volunteers to help lead Communion services at the prisons in our diocese. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the work we do serving the incarcerated and all potential volunteer opportunities, consider attending our next informational session.
When: Wednesday, June 25, 6 - 9 p. m.
Where: Cathedral Square Center
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The Michigan Restorative Justice Council
In addition to our work serving the incarcerated and those returning from incarceration Prison and Jail Ministry recently formed the Michigan Restorative Justice Council. This council was formed as an initiative of the 3rd Annual Michigan Restorative Justice Conference: Radical Forgiveness. The Council is comprised of judges, lawyers, parole and probation officers, religious leaders, experts in restorative justice, elected officials, victims of crime and returned citizens.
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Volunteer Resources
Communion Service Sheets
*The Communion service format used is liturgically accurate for a lay volunteer leading a Communion service in places other than a church.
Returning Citizens
Are you a returned citizen looking for a welcoming faith community?
GROW is an outreach ministry of the Diocese of Grand Rapids for people returning from incarceration. GROW helps break the cycle of recidivism by educating parish communities on the spiritual needs and concerns of returning citizens and their families.
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C.L.E.A.R. (Coalition, Leadership, Educate, Advice, Rehabilitation)
C.L.E.A.R. is a peer support group for men and women who have been formerly incarcerated and/or who are on probation or parole. Contact Officer Kaitlin Bernardo for details regarding the women's group at 616-2127-8337 or email kbernardo@grand-rapids.mi.us. For more information and meeting location for the men's group, contact Officer Ray Erickson at 352-430-6418 or email rearickson@grcity.us.
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Resource Guide for Returning Citizens
Please see resource guide for assistance with housing, employment, meals, clothing, support groups, etc.
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