Jail Ministry

“Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body.”

Hebrews 13:3

Our vision is that incarcerated men and women may actively participate in the Body of Christ in our diocese.

Supporting the Incarcerated

Priests of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend are assigned to collaborate with the sheriff, chaplain and other jail officials to provide material and spiritual support to inmates. We believe in the need for Catholic inmates to have access to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

Supporting Families

If you have a loved one who is incarcerated, you are not alone, and support is out there. If you are looking for help, begin by contacting your parish priest.

Training Opportunities

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Jail Ministry provides support to ministers who wish to apply for participation in the pilot program through the National Catholic Chaplains Association. This program seeks to prepare individuals wishing to serve in ministry opportunities in jails and prisons, parish-based ministry offering spiritual and emotional support for families and friends while loved one is incarcerated, and support for men and women re-entering society.

Contact us

Please contact Allison Sturm at [email protected] or 260.399.1452 if you or a loved one needs pastoral care or are interested in any of the initiatives mentioned.