The purpose of prison ministry is found in Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus tells us that when we minister to the incarcerated we minister to Him. A diocesan committee appointed by the Bishop oversees this program. Priests, religious, deacons, lay men and women serve more than 20 facilities in the civil parishes of Avoyelles, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Rapides, Tensas, Vernon and Winn. These ministers work with the facilities to establish a regular program to serve the spiritual needs of those confined to prison. The diocese needs more lay men and women for this important ministry and will offer training to any interested person. To volunteer, call the Office of Prison Ministry at 445-2401 ext. 213.
An annual parish/school program during Lent collecting funds to send to help overseas projects help vicitms of poverty and natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. To donate send your check to Diocese of Alexandria (marked with Operation Ricebowl), P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306-0417. One quarter of the collection stays in the diocese to help groups working with the poor. For more information contact Debbie Metoyer at (318) 445-6424, ext. 202.
