Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is proud to announce the receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Sacred Heart Foundation in support of our Prison Ministry program. This generous award will directly enhance our outreach to incarcerated individuals across the five counties of our Diocese, helping us bring the light of Christ to those often forgotten behind prison walls.
A Ministry of Compassion and Hope
The Prison Ministry of Catholic Charities is rooted in the Gospel call found in Matthew 25:36 — "I was in prison and you visited me." Our mission is to provide a consistent Catholic presence within correctional facilities, offering sacramental support, spiritual care, and pastoral outreach to all incarcerated individuals—regardless of their faith background.
Each month, this program serves approximately 4,300 incarcerated men and women, totaling more than 15,000 unique individuals per year. Through Bible studies, group and individual prayer, spiritual retreats, and sacramental preparation and celebration, our volunteers provide a ministry of hope and transformation to those yearning for connection, healing, and purpose.
Impact That Transcends Bars
Thanks to the Sacred Heart Foundation's investment, Catholic Charities will be able to:
Cover travel and mileage expenses for our Prison Ministry Director, who visits correctional facilities across the Diocese.
Support the coordination, training, and supervision of more than 100 dedicated volunteers who contribute nearly 9,000 hours of service annually.
Fund essential program materials and, where permitted, meals for group sessions and retreats.
Strengthen communication with facility chaplains and staff to monitor outcomes and gather insights on behavioral and spiritual improvements among inmates.
Our program measures success through both qualitative and quantitative data, including:
The number of inmate encounters (currently over 4,300 per month)
Participation levels in prayer groups, Bible studies, and retreats
Sacramental involvement when allowed
Personal testimonies reflecting increased hope, improved relationships, and a desire to change
Addressing a Larger Challenge
With incarceration rates and recidivism remaining high across the country—68% of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years, according to a 2023 study—faith-based programs like ours are proving critical. Research shows that spiritual engagement fosters behavioral change, reduces depression and infractions, and supports lasting transformation.
As Latessa (2020) emphasized, faith-based programs help address root causes of reoffending, such as impulsive behavior, poor coping skills, and broken relationships. Our ministry is not just about spiritual nourishment—it’s about planting seeds for long-term rehabilitation and renewal.
Deepest Thanks
Catholic Charities extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Sacred Heart Foundation for their partnership in this essential mission. Their support is not just funding a program—it’s touching souls, mending hearts, and giving hope to those working toward a new chapter in life.
For more information about Catholic Charities’ Prison Ministry or to get involved, click here.
