MAX is the diocesan program to provide pastoral care, education, public policy advocacy and prayer support in service of the incarcerated and their families.
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MAX Prison and Jail Ministry in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph seeks to ensure a pastoral and sacramental presence within Missouri correctional facilities and to provide continued support to offenders re-entering society.
​There are seven state prisons and over 20 jails throughout our diocese. Volunteers minister to these women and men by providing spiritual counseling, sacramental services, Bible study, devotions and evening prayers. The Office of Life & Justice supports this volunteer-based ministry by ensuring resources are available to meet the spiritual needs of those who are incarcerated and their families.
Prayer & Worship Opportunities
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Residents Encounter Christ (REC) is a non-profit organization which conducts 3-day retreats for men and women living in prison. The retreats are designed to give residents a chance to learn about Christ and how he can change lives. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring Christ into prison. Contact the Office of Life & Justice to learn more.
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Volunteers in Prayer (VIPs) lift up this ministry with powerful prayer support wherever they are. A volunteer leader for the Office of Life & Justice regularly shares prayer requests we receive from our Volunteers in Correction (VICs) who represent the incarcerated members of our diocese. The VIPs may be individuals lifting prayer requests to the Lord on their own, or may be organized into groups by parish. All commit to praying intentionally for this ministry once per week. Click here to sign up to be a VIP.
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Volunteers assist the Office of Life & Justice with the processing, packing, and mailing of rosary orders frolm offenders residing in Missouri prisons. Contact the Office of Life & Justice to learn more.
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
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Volunteers, both lay and clerical, visit area jails and prisons on a regular basis to provide the sacraments and a listening ear to our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Click here to learn the qualities of a good Volunteer in Corrections (VIC).
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Family Court volunteers provide incredible value for youths by building up social skills, life skills, and setting a foundation of positive interaction. If interest in volunteering or mentoring with youth in the juvenile system, click here to visit the Family Justice Center website.
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Provide much needed encouragement and friendship to an isolated prisoner. Click here for a Pen Pal Volunteer Application form.
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The Pen Pal Ministry needs the practical volunteer help of tech-savvy individual(s) who can help with administrative tasks, particularly around spreadsheet and Pen Pal assignments. Contact the Office of Life & Justice to learn more.
Pastoral Care Opportunities
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Facilitate parish, school, and group presentations on one or more criminal justice or restorative justice topics.
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Assist with development of additional presentations on criminal and restorative justice topics.
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Serve as a diocesan resource for questions from groups on the Church's teaching on criminal and restorative justice issues.
Fundraising & Promotion
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Assist praishes with creating flyers for schedulced parish presentations.
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Assist the Office of Life & Justice with development of promotional materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) for the MAX Prison & Jail Ministry.
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Please prayerfully consider making a donation to the MAX Prison & Jail Ministry. This will be used for items such as books and resources, prayer cards, rosaries and crucifixes, as well as training and travel for team members. You may donate online or by sending a check made payable to:
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph​
Office of Life & Justice​
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
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Please note "Max Prison & Jail Ministry" on the memo line of your check. Thank you!
Upcoming Calendar Items
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Coming soon!