Prison Ministry: A Ministry of Presence & Hope

Prison Ministry Volunteers Appreciation Gathering at St. Luke’s, Calgary

The Prison Ministry brings compassion and hope behind bars through eight ongoing programs in Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2024, volunteers faithfully served youth, women, and men in local Remand and Correctional Centres.

Where we serve

• Calgary Correctional Centre and Remand Centre
  Weekly Chapel program of sharing and reflections on Sunday Missal’s Liturgy of the Word, Confessions (provided on request), and one-on-one questions.
• Calgary Youth Offender Centre (CYOC)
  Faith-sharing sessions focused on women inmates, with prayer, Scripture, and reflection.
• Lethbridge Correctional Centre
  Twice-weekly rosary, monthly confessions, Communion twice a month, ongoing one-on-one ministry.​

​Though data cannot fully capture the transformations behind bars, we’ve witnessed a growing openness to Scripture and prayer, heartfelt gratitude during our Christmas visit to Calgary Youth Offender Centre, appreciation from staff and inmates for our volunteers’ steady presence, and meaningful one-on-one conversations.

They always ask questions and reflect deeply during our prayer times. You can see how much it matters to them.” - Volunteer

Calgary: Rebuilding after the Pandemic

We were down to only four volunteers for our weekly chapel programs—but with support from the Pastoral Centre, we’ve been able to recover and grow.” -Deacon Thomas Ha

On Nov 5, 2024, volunteers gathered at St. Luke’s Parish for a special appreciation event with Bishop McGrattan, who thanked them for their enduring service in Calgary’s three facilities.

​New volunteers, including future deacon candidates, have since joined the mission, helping restore the ministry of presence and prayer with the inmates.

The year of 2024 offered powerful glimpses of God at work in our correctional centres:

• Inmates asked for confession and spiritual guidance.
• Many became more aware of Sunday solemnities and Scripture.
• Weekly faith-sharing became a highlight for many.
  
  

Chaplain feedback praised the ministry as “the best-run faith program among visiting agencies.” Some inmates expressed a desire for Baptism and conversion to the Catholic faith. Others shared their commitment to change after release. Inmates gave thanks for our presence and prayers. Volunteers were deeply moved by the trust and openness of the inmates. Many shared that serving deepened their own faith. Interest in the sacraments is growing at all Calgary centres.

Lethbridge: Steady Support, Week After Week

At Lethbridge Correctional Centre, a small but committed team offers twice-weekly Rosary gatherings with time for reflection and questions. Inmates also receive Communion twice a month, monthly confession, regular one-on-one pastoral care, and participate in seasonal liturgies such as a Christmas prayer service, with treat bags for all inmates and staff, and Ash Wednesday services. Their steady presence reminds inmates and staff alike that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

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Source: 2024 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary (pg. 36-37)

How to help? 

• Volunteers
  Help bring hope behind prison walls. We're looking for compassionate individuals to lead prayer time with the Sunday Readings and Rosary at correctional facilities in our Diocese. “I was in prison and you visited me.”  Email Deacon Thomas Ha at [email protected] or call 403-218-5500 to learn more.
• Donation
  To give to the operation of Prison Ministry, click here