Prison ministry program

During 2020, a group of nine faith leaders in Arizona (including Bishop Reddall and 3 others from our Diocese) met regularly with AZ Dept. of Corrections (ADC) Director David Shinn, as well as members of his staff, regarding the impact of COVID-19 on those who are incarcerated in our state-run and for-profit private prisons.

We also met with Dr. Cara Christ, Director of AZ Dept. of Health Services, and members of her staff, as well as Governor Ducey. Our efforts to require COVID testing of inmates, staff, and contractors were instrumental in the rollout of testing all ADC inmates in late August and early September of 2020. We were also successful in promoting mask mandates for inmates and staff.

There is no doubt that these actions helped prevent more deaths within our prisons. Working together, faith-based groups can be a powerful voice for the voiceless thousands in our prisons and jails and for their loved ones too.

The Diocesan prison ministry program is dedicated to sharing information about how churches within our diocese can become involved in actions that impact the lives of those affected by incarceration, like the faith-based task force described previously. Many of the programs developed and supported through this ministry assist efforts to reduce recidivism which, in turn, helps make our neighborhoods safer. Members of our team have traveled to several churches and facilitated discussions/presentations about the needs of the incarcerated and what can be done. Our program continues to raise awareness about the far-reaching effects of incarceration, including the collateral consequences and the heavy burden placed on taxpayers.

Our goal is to mobilize the Church in support of reforms and outreach that will have a positive impact on those who are incarcerated, the returning citizens, their families, and those working in prisons. We can make a difference, we can provide hope.

Please contact Deacon Kim Crecca if you are interested in inviting a member of our team to lead a discussion about incarceration, mentoring, Camp Genesis, for-profit prisons, or even host an art show at your church or in your community. More information about our programs, resources, and affiliates is available on our website: prison.azdiocese.org.