FAQs

What do you do?

Our office is the focal point and coordinator of the sacramental pastoral care for adult Catholics who find themselves incarcerated in the 26 State prisons, 10 County jails, 1 Federal facility, INS detention and numerous city jails within the boundaries of the Archdiocese.

How do I find the location of a prison?

If you have internet access you go to www.tdcj.state.tx.us, click on general info, click on find prison unit, click on unit name; or go to our link page where you will find the address for TDCJ. If you do not have computer access, you may call 936-407-2169 for location information.

How do I locate my loved one who is in prison or jail?

For those who have loved ones in a Texas state prison, and have internet access, go to www.tdcj.state.us; click on general info, click on general offender info, follow instructions. One of the options is to use the on-line search for an offender. You will need to know the person's exact date of birth, and/or TDCJ ID number.
For loved ones in the Harris County Jail, go to www.jims.hctx.net/sopublic/and insert the required information. If you still have difficulty locating your loved one, please call us at 713-741-8732.

My child is getting out soon but he can't live with me. Where can I find a place for him or her to stay?

TDCJ has a list of approved, non-contract transitional facilities. Our office has a copy of this list and will share the information with you. Call 713-741-8732 and discuss the housing information that is available.

What can I do to help the ministry?

There are several ways to help.

Donations:
We have an ongoing need for Catholic Bibles (English and Spanish) to distribute in jail or prison. We have access to a program that allows us to buy Bibles at a much lower price than most other buyers. With that in mind, we encourage donors to provide a check for the purchase of Bibles rather than buying them yourself.

For those who just wish to donate money for Bibles or other special projects i.e. retreats or volunteer support meetings, please make the check payable to Correctional Ministries, 2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77021.

Volunteers:
For men and women who would like to volunteer during the day, the greatest need is the Harris County Jail located in downtown Houston. For men who are unable to volunteer during the day, but can do so in the evening, the greatest need is the State prison units that surround Houston. There is an application process for both of the ministry areas. Please be aware that this process takes 30-60 days to complete. You will be asked to fill out an application form; the information will be reviewed and a background check will be made; short training classes are mandatory; interviews with chaplains are done and finally, you will begin the ministry. For further information please call 713-741-8732.

Prayer:
The men and women who are on staff, or volunteer, need the faithful prayers of the community. While this ministry is a difficult one, the blessings are many. So for those who cannot see themselves inside the prison walls, please pray for those of us who do go into the prisons and jails of this Archdiocese. You are a blessing to us.