"MAX" -- (Prison & Jail)

Prison & Jail

Our response to crime in the United States is a moral test for our nation and a challenge for our Church. Our tasks are to restore a sense of civility and responsibility to everyday life, and promote crime prevention and genuine rehabilitation. The common good is undermined by criminal behavior that threatens the lives and dignity of others and by policies that seem to give up on those who have broken the law.

MAX is the diocesan program to provide pastoral care, education, public policy advocacy and prayer support in service of the incarcerated and their families.

Logo: The name, the silhouette of a cross, and the Franciscan brown color of the logo for the MAX Prison & Jail Ministry are representative of St. Maximilian Kolbe, its patron saint.

Mission

MAX Prison & Jail Ministry in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph seeks to ensure a pastoral and sacramental presence within Missouri correctional facilities and to provide continued support to offenders re-entering society.

Purpose

There are seven state prisons and over 20 jails throughout our diocese. Volunteers minister to these women and men by providing spiritual counseling, sacramental services, Bible study, devotions and evening prayers. The Human Rights Office supports this volunteer-based ministry by ensuring resources are available to meet the spiritual needs of those who are incarcerated and their families.

Recruitment, training and support for prison and jail ministers and volunteers.
Catholic Bibles and prayer books, in both English and Spanish, rosaries, and many other materials for women and men who are incarcerated.
Education for parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations on Church teaching in the areas of prison and jail ministry.
Network with other local and national organizations, including REC and Kairos, Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Knights of Columbus, Journey to New Life, Catholic Charities of Kansas City, Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas, and Family United Transportation Service.

The links below will orient you to prison ministry in our diocese and provide formation as you seek guidance in answering your call to serve.

The Human Rights Office invites you to respond to the Gospel call to, “Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)".

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer in Corrections (VIC)

Volunteers, both lay and clerical, visit area jails and prisons on a regular basis to provide the sacraments and a listening ear to our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Please click here to learn the qualities of a good VIC.

Ministering to the incarcerated and their families can sometimes feel like visiting a foreign culture. Whether you are new to prison ministry, or you're a veteran looking for new perspectives, explore the resources on this webpage to help you understand the complexities of incarceration - and how it intersects with justice, family relationships, employment and more.

Contact us or click here to learn more about the steps to become a VIC with the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Family Court volunteers provide incredible value for youths by building up social skills, life skills, and setting a foundation of positive interaction. If interested in volunteering or mentoring with youth in the Juvenile system, click here to visit the Family Justice Center website.

Residents Encounter Christ (REC)

Residents Encounter Christ is a non-profit organization which conducts 3-day retreats for men and women living in prison. The retreats are designed to give residents a chance to learn about Christ and how He can change lives. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring Christ into prison. Click here to contact us to learn more.

Pen Pal Program

Provide much-needed encouragement and friendship to an isolated prisoner. Participate in our program or establish your own parish pen-pal ministry using the guide provided by the Diocese. This simple guide lays out the basic steps, offers practical suggestions on how to get started, and provides other tips for fostering a safe, appropriate relationship based on encouragement and discipleship. Click here for a Pen Pal Volunteer Application. To learn more about this ministry, click here.

Volunteer in Prayer (VIP)

VIPs lift up this ministry with powerful prayer support wherever they are. A volunteer leader for the Human Rights Office regularly shares prayer requests we receive from our Volunteers in Correction (VICs) who represent the incarcerated members of our diocese. The VIPs may be individuals lifting prayer requests to the Lord on their own, or may be organized into groups by parish. Please click here to review one of the weekly prayer request emails. All commit to praying intentionally for this ministry once per week. Click here to sign up to be a Volunteer in Prayer.

Rosary Program

Volunteers assist the Human Rights Office with the processing, packing and mailing of rosary orders from offenders residing in Missouri Prisons. Please review and print a copy of "The Prisoner's Rosary".

Parish Presentation on MAX Prison & Jail Ministry

Help share the message about the MAX Prison & Jail Ministry.

Death Penalty

Important Information & Local Resources

Church's Response

MAX Prison Ministry Volunteer Training

MAX Volunteer Leadership Team

MAX Hispanic Prison/Jail Ministry Orientation

Designed for both ordained and lay ministers at the diocesan and parish levels, MAX Prison/Jail Ministry Orientation challenges us to prepare to receive newcomers with a genuine spirit of welcome that provides a bridge for them to cross to a culture "inside the walls".