Prison Ministry Programs
Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Arlington is a pastoral care ministry whereby the Christian Community shares in the healing ministry of Christ. It is a ministry of presence and witness inside the state run detention centers within the Diocese of Arlington.Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Arlington is a pastoral care ministry whereby the Christian Community shares in the healing ministry of Christ. It is a ministry of presence and witness inside the state run detention centers within the Diocese of Arlington.
Prison Ministry Programs
Prison Ministry in the local jails and VA state prisons
Prison Ministry is facilitated through a network of parish-based volunteers from throughout the diocese who offer spiritual and emotional assistance to the imprisoned.
Catholic Charities supports the efforts of the parishes to hold ministries in regional and state jails within the Diocese of Arlington though sharing opportunities throughout our volunteer network and supporting parish ministries with religious materials. A network of Diocesan volunteers also supports Kairos Prison Ministry within the Virginia State Prison System.
Catholic Charities assists with recruitment of volunteers, provides missals and hymnals and other materials, liases with the Chaplains in coordinating annual Mass in Jail with the Bishop. Catholic Charities serves as a focal point to answer questions from members of the diocese on prisons, and related inquiries. Catholic Charities ministry also acts as a conduit to share pertinent information among parish groups.
Upon request, Catholic Charities will provide talks to adult and youth religious education groups. We will also work with Chaplains within the Virginia State Detention system to aid the Diocese with initiating prison ministry programs.
Below is a list of the current County operated Detention Centers within the Diocese of Arlington, and the associated Parish.
Current locations of Jail & Prison Ministry Programs by location and by Parish (Feb. 2017)
| Alexandria Adult Detention Center, Basilica of St. Mary |
| Arlington County Adult Detention Center, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church |
| Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church |
| Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church |
| Prince William – Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, All Saints Catholic Church |
| Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church |
| Coffeewood Correctional Facility, Precious Blood Catholic Church |
| Prison facilities operated by the State of Virginia that support the Kairos Program: Buckingham Correctional Center, Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, Virginia Correctional Center for Women (Goochland, VA), and Nottoway Correctional Center |
At these locations, Jail Ministry Volunteers of the parish and local community bring the message of hope and the unconditional love of God to the inmates, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry of presence, celebration of liturgies, reception of sacraments, study of faith and Holy Scripture. Volunteers provide opportunities of witness to the Faith and evangelization to the unbaptized and those that seek union with the Catholic Faith. Each location has various schedules, times and needs.
For information regarding locations, times, opportunities, and the application process for volunteering inside the jails and prisons, please contact Catholic Charities Office of Volunteers at volunteer@ccda.net
