Compassion Behind Bars: Prison Ministry 2025

​The Diocese of Calgary's Prison Ministry continues to bring Christ's compassion and hope to those living behind bars. Through the faithful service of 69 volunteers, the ministry reaches youth, women, and men in four correctional centres across Calgary, Lethbridge, and Drumheller, offering prayer,  sacramental support, and one-on-one spiritual accompaniment.

​In 2025, the ministry experienced encouraging growth, particularly in Calgary, where more than 20 new volunteers joined the mission. Together with long-serving volunteers from parishes across the city, they helped restore a consistent presence of prayer and pastoral care for inmates.

Calgary
At the Calgary Correctional Centre and Calgary Remand Centre, volunteers lead weekly chapel programs centred on the Sunday Liturgy of the Word, along with a weekly Rosary, opportunities for Confession, and one-on-one spiritual support for those who request it.

At the Calgary Youth Offender Centre, biweekly faith-sharing sessions provide prayer, mentorship, and reflection for young people. One-on-one spiritual accompaniment is also available for women and youth seeking support.

Lethbridge
At the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, 10 dedicated volunteers provide approximately 510 hours of ministry each year. Their service includes twice-weekly Rosary gatherings, monthly opportunities for Confession, Communion twice a month, one-on-one pastoral care, and seasonal liturgies such as Christmas prayer services and Ash Wednesday services.

Drumheller
Prison ministry at Drumheller Institution continues to develop through the efforts of the pastor of St. Anthony's Parish, who offers the Rosary, Mass, and faith formation. With another priest preparing to assist, the ministry is expected to expand its pastoral care for inmates in both minimum- and medium-security units, bringing greater opportunities for prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual support.

Throughout the year, volunteers witnessed many signs of God's grace at work within the correctional centres. Inmates sought Confession and spiritual guidance, and many shared that they had become more aware of God speaking to them through His Word. Some expressed a desire to be baptized or enter the Catholic faith, while others spoke of their commitment to building a new life after their release.

Interest in the sacraments continues to grow across Calgary's correctional centres, and some inmates shared that they had learned new ways to deepen their prayer through fasting, charity, and a closer relationship with God.

​The ministry also left a lasting impact on those who serve. Volunteers spoke of being deeply moved by the openness, honesty, and stories they encountered during their visits.

As one prison ministry coordinator reflected, "The prison ministry is more than 2,000 years old; we are merely fulfilling the Lord's will for the downtrodden." 

Another added, "They too were chosen; they mattered and are part of the Body of Christ." The impact of this ministry is perhaps best expressed in the words of one former inmate:

Thank you for ministering the program at Remand. It took me a while, but I got a good job now and I am doing well. I am going to attend Mass. Thank you."

Thank you to our prison ministry volunteers for their faithful witness, and to all who support this ministry through prayer and encouragement. Together, you are helping bring Christ's presence, mercy, and hope to those who need it most. ​Thank you for your continued support through prayer, volunteer service, and financial generosity. Your generosity helps sustain this ministry of hope and accompaniment for those in correctional facilities throughout our Diocese. To support Prison Ministry, please visit catholicyyc.ca/give.