Jail and Prison Ministry
Catholic Charities oversees Diocesan efforts to provide jail and prison ministry in various settings. Staff provide training for volunteers who serve at state prisons in Toledo, Lima, and Mansfield; at county jails; and at treatment centers in the criminal justice system.
The ministry includes worship services, retreats, Scripture study, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and pastoral counseling. Ministry services vary depending on the facility. Volunteers also participate in “share the journey” support for families of the incarcerated, support for re-entry into society, Citizen Circles, victim awareness, prayer vigils before state executions, and advocacy for opposition to the death penalty.
Catholic Charities provides ongoing events to raise awareness of the ministry and opportunities to become involved. The agency also hosts an annual gathering to affirm and inform current volunteers.
Upcoming Events
2015 Jail and Prison Ministry workshop flier
Read More about Our Jail And Prison Ministry
On Thursday, Oct. 16, Ohioans to Stop Executions hosted the “Voices of Experiences: The Death Penalty” at the Franciscan Center of Lourdes University. The event was sponsored by Catholic Charities and was part of a series of Town Hall Forums to address the recommendations given by the Ohio... Read more
In the town of Lima, you can’t help but look at the massive buildings that sit behind the snowy fields. Most of these buildings are state correctional facilities that have housed... Read more
I’ve come simply to tell you that God loves you with an infinite love. – Pope Benedict XVI in a 2011 address to inmates of Rome’s Ribibbia prison Larry is a clean-cut Catholic with a warm smile, sincere eyes and true passion for his faith. He’s a lector at his... Read more
Learn More
- Jail and Prison Ministry Support Groups
- Death Penalty Awareness
- How You Can Help Through Jail and Prison Ministry
- Stories of Hope from Jail and Prison Ministry
For more information about Jail and Prison Ministry, please contact Germaine Kirk at 419-244-6711, ext. 225 or email gkirk@toledodiocese.org.
