Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all people, Catholic Correctional Chaplains perceive prison ministry to be our Gospel call to be present and serve those affected by the criminal justice system, whether inmate, victim, their families, correctional employees and the larger Catholic community.

The responsibility for ministry to those who are incarcerated comes from Christ’s admonition to each of us “whatever you do to the least…you’ve done to me” (Matthew 25).  As with other social and pastoral ministries, this responsibility rests with the total people of God. We must respond to God's call to service by being involved in a communal way. The Catholic Faith Community must be present in prisons, jails in meaningful ways.  The Catholic Chaplain takes the initiative and facilitates the full participation of volunteers in the pastoral care of prisoners.

Catholic Prison Ministry recognizes both the level of personal responsibility and the impact of social structure.  We support the concept of ministry, which integrates the components of direct service, public education, and advocacy for systemic change.

Download Catholic Chaplain Principles