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Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Director of Prison and Jail Ministry

Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244

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Director of Prison and Jail Ministry

Work where your Faith is!

More than 500,000 people see a positive difference in their lives every day through the ministries of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Our Mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by calling, forming, and sending disciples to go and make new disciples.

The Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center, located in St. Francis, is the main office for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The archdiocese covers 10 counties in Southeast Wisconsin and includes almost 200 parishes and over 100 Catholic schools.

The Director of Prison and Jail Ministry serves as a bridge between the Church and those impacted by incarceration, fostering hope, healing, and discipleship among the imprisoned, their families, and those ministering to them. This role involves direct pastoral outreach, volunteer recruitment and training, advocacy, and collaboration with various ministries, particularly within the Respect Life framework. The Director works closely with clergy, laity, and community organizations to promote the dignity of all human life, ensuring the Church's presence in jails and prisons across southeastern Wisconsin.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct pastoral care and spiritual support to incarcerated individuals

Coordinate and oversee Catholic ministry in jails and prisons

Develop and maintain relationships with chaplains, prison staff and diocesan clergy

Develop and organize retreats, Bible studies, prayer services and liturgical celebrations within correctional facilities

Train and equip clergy, religious and lay leaders for effective prison ministry, ensuring proper formation and adherence to Church teaching

Advocate for the spiritual and human dignity, ensuring they have access to the sacraments and religious materials

Coordinate sacramental preparation and celebrations

Coordinate the bishops' celebrations of Christmas and Easter Masses

Train and mentor seminarians, diaconal formation candidates and volunteers

Develop support programs that provide pastoral care, emotional support and practical resources

Work with Catholic Charities, parishes, schools, and social service organizations to ensure families have access to housing, financial assistance and counseling

Promote the Friends Through Pens program

Collaborate with local courts, law enforcement and to promote restorative justice initiatives and alternative sentencing programs

Work with Re-Entry and Avoiding Recidivism Programs

Create and Direct Formational Programs "Reunited in Hope"

Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching as it applies to incarceration

Experience in pastoral care and counseling, particularly in prison ministry or related fields

Strong public speaking and teaching skills

Understanding of the criminal justice system

Ability to work with diverse populations

Strong organizational skills

Commitment to servant leadership

Degree in social work, theology, or a related field, or equivalent formation as a deacon, chaplain, or through extensive pastoral ministry experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in pastoral ministry, prison or jail ministry

Have a strong foundation in Catholic Social Teaching

Budget management experience, oversee an annual budget

Must be a Catholic in good standing, with a dynamic faith life that includes a personal sense of mission to the incarcerated and their families

Compensation and Benefits The position is a full-time (40 hours per week), salaried position working in-person at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Pastoral Center. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee provides a full scope of employment benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flextime, Catholic school tuition assistance for children of employees, 403b, and a pension program. Infrequent weekend and evening meetings and some travel to parishes throughout the archdiocese is required. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Please send a resume to Jackie Luther via email jluther@archmil.org or call with any questions 414-769-3470.

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