The Criminal Justice Ministries Program was established in 1995 to serve incarcerated Catholics and others throughout the Diocese of Youngstown. The mission of this all-volunteer lay ministry is to coordinate access for incarcerated persons to the Sacraments, celebration of the Liturgy and Bible studies. The ministry seeks to work closely with parishes across the diocese in developing and training parish-based lay ministers to serve the incarcerated in local facilities and with inmate families.

The Criminal Justice Ministries Program of the Diocese of Youngstown requires new volunteers to register and complete a diocesan training program before they may minister to the incarcerated as a Catholic lay minister. In addition, new volunteers must attend an orientation sponsored by the correctional facility where he or she will volunteer. In the course of registration and orientation, the volunteer's Pastor will be asked to comment briefly as to the volunteer's talents and skills for this ministry.

For more information please write or call:

Criminal Justice Ministries Program
Catholic Charities Services
Mr. Joe Miles
144 West Wood Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Telephone: (330) 744-8451
E-mail: jmiles@youngstowndiocese.org