Seeking Volunteers for Catholic Prison Ministry at Pendleton Correctional Facility

The Pendleton Correctional Facility has reopened for access by volunteers after successfully navigating the COVID pandemic. What this means for us, as Catholics, is the opportunity to engage, connect, and support our Catholic brethren incarcerated there.

FAQs

What is involved? Volunteers join Catholic inmates for Mass on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Pendleton Chapel. On alternate Wednesdays, volunteers join the inmates for discussion, videos, faith sharing, etc.

What is the time commitment? The time commitment is very flexible. Attend Wednesday mornings when you are available. The total time commitment each Wednesday – including travel time – is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. This is a good opportunity for men who are retired and/or available Wednesday mornings and wish to do service in the public sector.

Is this an initiative to evangelize or convert inmates? I may not be comfortable with that. This is not about evangelizing, converting, or preaching to inmates. The inmates we meet with are primarily cradle Catholics, with a few who desire to become Catholic. They have a desire to attend Mass, to discuss aspects of their Catholic faith, and to reflect on their future as they seek to reunite with their families and society upon release from prison.

Is it safe? Yes, it is safe, although it can be a bit intimidating the first time you enter the prison. We meet in the chapel at Pendleton. The Catholic inmates are extremely grateful for our participation. They realize the sacrifice of our time and our commitment and are thankful for it.

What about COVID? The Pendleton facility did an amazing job of navigating the COVID pandemic. The facility was closed to volunteers for about 2 years and recently reopened. They currently boast a vaccination rate greater than 90% that includes both staff and inmates, as compared to an approximately 66% vaccination rate in the USA general population.

I have never been around people in prison. I am not sure I will know what to say? How to act? You will quickly realize those who are incarcerated are basically no different than you and me. They are seeking an opportunity to rebuild their lives and hope for a better future. Their incarceration affects not only them but often family members as well. They are easy to talk to. The Vision Statement of the Indianapolis Archdiocese states: The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is a Christ-centered Catholic community that upholds the dignity of every human person touched by crime in order to practice mercy and foster hope and peace.

Why is this ministry significant? “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:36, 40)

We are looking for a few good men to join our volunteer team. For more information, please contact Kevin Janowicz, Dan White, Jim Barbar, or Michael Fisher.