Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

Prison Ministry

Volunteer Information

Throughout the history of the Church, starting with Jesus’ own ministry, visiting those in prison and ministering to them, has always been an essential part of the Church’s identity. The work of the Diocesan Prison Ministry as an organization is meant to facilitate a Diocesan response in charity and justice to the needs of our brothers and sisters in prison.     

How can I help?

There are many areas of prison ministry that need your help.

There are four areas of our prison ministry program, parish support, in prison ministering, prisoner release aftercare and prison ministry committee.

Parish Support

Parish Contact Person – someone who keeps the parish community informed about Prison Ministry news and issues, and someone who could act as a first-person-to-turn-to for parishioners regarding involvement and volunteering in Prison Ministry.

Praying for Prison Ministry – parishioners, individuals and parish groups, are asked to pray regularly for prisoners, their families, victims of crime, correctional staff and for those involved in prison ministry.

In Prison Ministering

Ministry Programs – those interested in helping in the prison with worship, bible study, fellowship and other programs.

Visiting and writing to prisoners – those interested in communicating with prisoners through writing and visiting programs.

Prisoner Mentor – those interested in helping the individual prisoners on their Christian journey both while incarcerated and after release.

Aftercare

Aftercare Ministry in a Parish – is helping ex-offenders, who are seeking to leave their past behind, become once again accepted and valued members of society. This ministry by an individual, or group of individuals, facilitates the welcoming, introduction and involvement of ex-offenders into the life of the Christian community, into the life of a parish.

Aftercare Mentor – those interested in helping the individual prisoners on their Christian journey after release.

Prison Ministry Committee

Prison Ministry Committee – is helping the over all development, growth, direction and operation of the Diocesan Prison Ministry program. One of its important mandates is to provide adequate formation and continuous support to those involved in the various forms of Prison Ministry.