Prison Ministry: A Ministry of Presence & Hope

On November 5, 2024, the Diocese of Calgary hosted a Prison Volunteers Appreciation gathering at St. Luke's Parish, bringing together dedicated volunteers who serve in the Prison Ministry. Bishop McGrattan and Father Wilbert Chin Jon expressed their gratitude and encouraged those who answered the call to this ministry.

The gathering highlighted the resilience and growth of the Prison Ministry, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic. “Our prison programs were almost decimated by the Covid pandemic when we were down to having only four volunteers to run our weekly chapel programs at the three prisons,” shared Deacon Thomas Ha. "With the support of the Pastoral Center and Father Wilbert, we were able to recover."

With new volunteers recruited from parishes across the Diocese, including four deacon candidates, the ministry is regaining its strength. “These are the faithful who have answered their call to come and provide spiritual support to the inmates,” said Deacon Thomas. “With the gifts they brought, we will be able to grow our faith in accompaniment with each other, to sing and to pray with the inmates, and for their families, the guards, and the victims of crimes.”

Answer the Call to Serve

Prison Ministry provides a profound opportunity to live out Jesus’ teaching: “I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). Volunteers witness the face of Christ in those they serve, creating a space for healing, prayer, and reconciliation.
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​“The unfortunate reality is that prisons are a permanent fixture in our society, and the need for prisoners to be visited is chronic,” said Ernest Baraniecki of the Calgary Correctional Centre. Despite having the most Catholic chapel sessions allocated per year, this facility has the fewest Catholic volunteers. “Please continue to answer the call to contribute your gift of witness and presence to this rewarding ministry: ‘The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few’ (Mt. 9:37).”

If you feel called to serve, consider joining this rewarding ministry. Volunteers commit to sharing the Gospel and offering their presence once a month, dedicating 1 to 2.5 hours each time. Training is provided to equip you for this meaningful work.

For more information or to inquire about volunteering, please contact the Pastoral Centre at 403-218-5500 or email [email protected].