Prison Ministry
We believe that no person is beyond the reach of God’s love, mercy, and redemption.
Inspired by the words of Jesus, “I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36), our mission is to bring hope, spiritual healing, and the comfort of the Sacraments to those who are incarcerated, as well as to offer support to their families and correctional staff.
Through a dedicated team, we provide regular pastoral care, celebrate Mass or a liturgy of the word, and facilitate reconciliation across the institutions within our diocesan boundaries.
Correctional Facilities We Serve
Our diocese holds jurisdiction over a vast region that includes both federal and provincial correctional facilities. We maintain an active pastoral presence at:
- Warkworth Institution
A federal medium-security facility located in Northumberland County, where we offer regular Sunday liturgies, individual spiritual direction, and faith-sharing circles to help residents build a foundation for positive reintegration.
- Central East Correctional Centre (CECC)
A large provincial multi-security facility located in Lindsay, Ontario. Here, our ministry focuses on meeting the immediate spiritual needs of individuals in remand or serving shorter sentences, offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, counseling, and Bibles.
How You Can Get Involved
Pray with Us
The power of prayer knows no walls. We invite our parish communities to pray daily for the safety, conversion, and emotional healing of incarcerated individuals, as well as for the victims of crime and the staff who work within the facilities.
The power of prayer knows no walls. We invite our parish communities to pray daily for the safety, conversion, and emotional healing of incarcerated individuals, as well as for the victims of crime and the staff who work within the facilities.
Become a Volunteer
Are you called to walk alongside those seeking a second chance? We are always looking for dedicated, compassionate lay volunteers to assist with faith studies, chapel music, and fellowship. All volunteers undergo a thorough diocesan and institutional security screening process.
Are you called to walk alongside those seeking a second chance? We are always looking for dedicated, compassionate lay volunteers to assist with faith studies, chapel music, and fellowship. All volunteers undergo a thorough diocesan and institutional security screening process.
Donations and Resources
We accept donations of approved spiritual materials, including softcover Catholic Bibles, rosaries, and daily devotional guides to distribute within the institutions.
We accept donations of approved spiritual materials, including softcover Catholic Bibles, rosaries, and daily devotional guides to distribute within the institutions.
Contact
If you have a loved one currently residing at Warkworth or CECC and would like to request a pastoral visit from a Catholic chaplain, or if you feel called to support this vital ministry, please reach out by EMAIL.