Prison Ministry brings the Word of God and the sacraments of the Catholic Church to men, women and juveniles who are incarcerated throughout the diocese. A Ministry of VolunteersTo accomplish its objectives, this ministry relies on volunteers – priests, deacons, religious, and lay men and women – who willingly give of their time to serve those members of Christ's church who are imprisoned. Volunteers are active in the state prisons, county jails, re-entry centers, juvenile detention centers and other correctional institutions throughout the five counties of the diocese. The volunteers are trained to work in small teams which minister in specific institutions at various times during the week. On average, individual volunteers visit institutions twice a month. Prison Ministry has expanded and grown to the point where it currently has about 50 volunteers across the Archdiocese of Portland. These volunteers are active on a weekly basis in correctional facilities throughout the state. |