Prison Ministry

“ … I was in prison and you visited me…”

Matthew 25:36

Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s Prison Ministry serves as an integral voice of the Church’s commitment to social justice, especially within the context of the criminal justice system.  Its’ activities are rooted in the principles of restorative justice.

Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on healing harm rather than simply punishing wrongdoing. It emphasizes accountability, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships by bringing together those who have been harmed, those responsible, and the broader community to seek understanding, repair damage, and promote healing for all involved.

(See “Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: _A Catholic Perspective  on Crime and Criminal Justice” – USCCB, 2000)

The Prison Ministry supports Religious and Lay Volunteers, who serve in the local, state and federal correctional facilities within the Diocese of Camden through Presence, Reconciliation and Advocacy.  Specific activities of Catholic Charities of South Jersey Prison Ministry currently include the following:

Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – His love, mercy and promise of salvation to all

• Screen and prepare volunteers – For more information, visit our website at https://catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/volunteer/
• Foster greater community understanding of the Church’s social teachings as it relates to criminal justice
• Provide direct pastoral and sacramental ministry to incarcerated men and women
• Advocate for the rights of the incarcerated and their families
• Strengthen families impacted by incarceration through compassionate emotional care and support

Information & Referral: Prison Ministry can provide guidance for returning citizens to re-entry county and other local services. Call 856-342-4057 for more information.

Angel Tree Project: Your parish can make a difference for the child/children whose parent/guardian is incarcerated.  At Christmas time, children and their incarcerated parent can stay connected through the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree project. Kids realize they’re not forgotten—and that knowledge helps them heal.  Call 856-342-4057 for more information.

For More Information About Prison Ministry Contact

Jo Anne Farrell, Part-Time Coordinator

JoAnne.Farrell@CamdenDiocese.org

856-342-4057