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.
Upcoming Events
Hope and Healing: The Art and Poetics of Restorative Justice
What: Celebrate National Restorative Justice Week (Nov. 17 - 23) with an art exhibition and auction displaying art and poetry from our incarcerated friends. Through original art and poetry, artists will reflect on hope and healing after crime/harm in a restorative justice context.
When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 11 AM - 4 PM
View art onsite or online and bid any time during the event. You may view the artwork online and create your account now by clicking GET STARTED in preparation for Nov. 17.
Where: Cathedral Square Center
Restorative justice seeks to repair harm through encounters that model Jesus’ reconciling way. These practices seek restoration to the extent possible for all stakeholders. Restorative practices work to hold people accountable while protecting society, healing harm, and helping to rehabilitate those who violate the law. It is a way of understanding crime and wrongdoing in terms of the people and relationships impacted, rather than simply a law or rule that was broken.
“As I tried to live a more charitable life, my own shortcomings became even more obvious. Not only did I need to forgive; I needed forgiveness. Forgiveness became less of a commandment I was trying to follow and more of a lifestyle.”
Kate Grosmaire, Forgiving My Daughter’s Killer: A True Story of Loss, Faith, and Unexpected Grace
View select art submissions below:
2024 Annual Christmas Drive
This year we are collecting new plastic reading glasses and new white tube or crew socks. Please share our Christmas Drive Flyer with your friends, family, and parish staff as appropriate. If you would like printed copies, contact Nicole and she will be happy to mail them to you. All donations need to be delivered to Cathedral Square Center by Monday, Dec. 9
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
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.
Learn more
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.
November Communion Service Sheets
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn more
Resource Guide for Returning Citizens
Please see resource guide for assistance with housing, employment, meals, clothing, support groups, etc.
Learn More