Prison Ministry

MISSION STATEMENT

Our overarching goal is to spread Christ’s love by defending our faith and assisting the poor and suffering. Through personal involvement and leadership, we will foster an active and meaningful Catholic presence to those affected by incarceration in cooperation with all Prison Ministry.

Components of this calling are personal visitation inclusive of prayer and support, caring communication with those behind the walls, guidance and material facilitation for those transitioning back into society, enabling the distribution of God’s Word and experience of the sacraments, and partnering with other like-minded organizations to enrich the lives and faith of those we serve.

Prison Ministry provides tremendous opportunity to promote the glory of God through our members’ sanctification. It’s easy to care for those we deem worthy. It takes a different level of compassion to reach out to those who have fallen from our spiritual or civic ideals. And yet, which of our fellow human beings need us more than those struggling to find the way home? And given that need, where are we more likely to discover our own path toward greater spirituality?

Our Work

In 2024, the American Association supported 21 active prison‑ministry projects across 15 states, engaging at least 200 Knights, Dames, Auxiliaries, and volunteers and contributing over 4000 documented service‑hours (many programs did not yet supply hour totals, so the real figure is higher). Here are some specifics but not limited to:

• Visitation and Outreach—Being Present Inside the Walls: This is the largest direct contact we have through Prison Ministry. Our members and chaplains visit inmates to participate in the Liturgy, provide support and fellowship, pray the rosary together, conduct weekend retreats, provide spiritual direction, lead Bible Study, and share an overall sense of fellowship.
• Re-entry—Helping to Rebuild Lives: At the point inmates are leaving incarceration, our members provide mentoring, assistance with locating housing and higher education, and help with job searches.
• Bible and Prayer Book Distribution—Bringing the Word of God: We provide bibles and prayer books to inmates, offering the opportunity for spiritual nourishment and growth in the spirit.
• The Pen Pal Program—Supporting From a Distance: Many of our members participate in the Pen Pal Program, a secure way to visit. From a distance, our members develop connections to prisoners, often the only connection an inmate may have to the outside world.
• Partnership Engagement and PM Alliances—The Order of Malta is building alliances with organizations like Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC), Cursillo, Kairos, Colby, and Catholic Distance University, which have correctional access, reentry programs, and ministry-specific resources that can be shared and repurposed.

Importance of Prison Ministry

“I am a former inmate… During the last few years of my incarceration, I was blessed by your pen‑pal ministry. … I am now out, stable, and ready to help.”
– letter received February 2025

“National statistics tell us one in three parolees return within three years. Those who have pen-pals return at less than one in thirty.”
– Steve Hawkins KM, National PenPal Coordinator

“I was in a dark space, and He brought me home… Your pen-pal ministry blessed me. I’m now out, stable, and ready to serve—I know firsthand the fruits of it!”
– Former inmate, now volunteer candidate

“This is the first time anyone has ever given me a gift.”
– Resident, Somerset County Jail, on receiving an Order of Malta Bible.

These personal notes echo 2023 findings: correspondence and spiritual resource significantly lower anxiety, boost hope, and reduce recidivism.

Program Highlights

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION PEN PAL PROGRAM
https://orderofmaltaamerican.org/spirituality-in-action/prison/pen-pal/

The American Association’s Pen Pal Program is a popular way to become involved in our ministry. Knights, Dames, Auxiliary and Volunteers have joined the Program, which consists of (1) letting us know you would like to become a pen pal, (2) being given an inmate’s name to whom you would write, (3) being furnished “guidelines” and general pen pal information and (4) writing to your pen pal once a month.

Since 2018, we have had over 1.1 K insiders participate; 320 have been released, 49 have discontinued for various reasons. Currently 682 insiders participate.

Currently there are 652 outside pen pals; with 30 withdrawing through the history of the Program.  The current number of Order of Malta Pen Pals are 53.

RE-ENTRY

The Importance of Reentry Programs for the Formerly Incarcerated Reentry programs are vital in helping individuals transition from incarceration back into society with dignity, support, and a real chance at success. Without structured support, many face overwhelming barriers — including unemployment, homelessness, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare or education — all of which contribute to high rates of recidivism.

These programs provide critical services such as job training, housing assistance, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, legal aid, and mentorship. By addressing the root causes that may have contributed to incarceration, reentry programs break the cycle of repeated offenses and promote public safety.

Moreover, reentry programs recognize the humanity and potential of every individual. They foster personal accountability, community reintegration, and economic self-sufficiency. Investing in reentry is not just about reducing prison populations — it’s about building stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and a more equitable society.

American Association Prison Ministry Resources:

https://orderofmaltaamerican.org/spirituality-in-action/prison/resources/
Dismas Home NH: https://dismashomenh.org
Thrive For Life: https://thriveforlife.org
One Parish: One Prisoner: https://www.undergroundministries.org/opop

PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR DAILY PRAYER
For Justice and Mercy

Jesus, united with the Father and the
Holy Spirit, give us your compassion
for those in prison.

Mend in mercy the broken in
mind and memory. Soften the hard
of heart, the captives of anger. Free
the innocent; parole the trustworthy.
Awaken the repentance that restores
hope. May prisoners’ families
persevere in their love.

Jesus, heal the victims of crime.
They live with the scars.
Lift to eternal peace those who die.
Grant victims’ families the
forgiveness that heals.

Give wisdom to lawmakers and to
those who judge.
Instill prudence
and patience in those who guard.

Make those in prison ministry bearers
of your light, for ALL of us are in need
of your mercy.                      Amen.