Prison and Jail Ministry
Overview:
Prison and Jail Ministry of the Diocese of Grand Rapids is called to serve by providing a Catholic presence to the incarcerated and those returning from incarceration, within our diocese. This presence comes in the form of Catholic religious services and the sharing of Catholic educational material.
Prison and Jail Ministry has been offered by the Diocese of Grand Rapids for over 40 years. Currently, the ministry serves 21 Correctional Facilities throughout our 11 counties. These correctional facilities include jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers. This ministry has over 100 active priests, deacons and volunteers who bring messages of hope to those affected by incarceration within our diocese. Through our volunteers, we offer 46 weekly services, including Masses, Communion services, RCIA classes, and prayer services.
In addition to our programs within our facilities, Prison and Jail Ministry has a re-entry outreach ministry, GROW (Guiding Returning Citizens to Our World), for people returning from incarceration. GROW helps break the cycle of recidivism by educating parish communities on the spiritual needs and concerns of returned citizens and their families. GROW helps create welcoming faith communities through building awareness and relationships. Through GROW we journey with our Catholic brothers and sisters as they re-enter society and help find them a faith community where they can continue to grow spiritually. Are you interested in joining our ministry? Please contact us at 616-475-1255.
The Michigan Restorative Justice Council & the Restorative Justice Mediation Act
Learn more
Volunteer Resources
Volunteer Schedules / Sign-Ups
Volunteers, please select the appropriate facility below and sign up for your available date and time.
March and April 2022
Ionia County
Bellamy Creek
Michigan Reformatory
Richard A. Handlon (MTU)
Ionia Correctional
Kent County
Kent County Jail Prayer Service