Bending the Arc

The following article was written on December 9, 2025, by Rev. Jeffrey S. Grob, Archbishop of Milwaukee:

“Before his passing, the late Pope Francis designated December 14, 2025, as a Jubilee for Prisoners, inviting the Church to lift up our sisters and brothers who are incarcerated and to renew our commitment to mercy, dignity and hope.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is blessed to have its own Office for Jail and Prison Ministry which is shepherded by Dcn. Jim Matthias and Ms. Susan McNeil along with the generous support of a number of priests and deacons who accompany those who are incarcerated by administering the sacraments and providing pastoral care.

Additionally, we are favored by the presence of the Thrive for Life Prison Project which is a Catholic prison ministry whose mission is to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. Founded by Fr. Zach Presutti, S.J., Thrive for Life offers a continuity of care model for highly committed and motivated individuals who choose to continue their education while living in a supportive residential community. Learn more here.

This past March, Thrive for Life opened the first House of Studies in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: Joseph House. There, individuals re-entering from incarceration are able to live in a stable, supportive community as they pursue their education and take the next steps toward rebuilding their lives.

With these ministries in mind and in an effort to respond to the call for a Jubilee for Prisoners, next weekend, December 13-14, will be observed as Prison Ministry Weekend throughout the archdiocese.

I am aware that some of our parishes will be hosting volunteers from Thrive for Life and Joseph House who will speak briefly at Masses to share about the prison ministry taking place here in the archdiocese.

The goals envisioned for Prison Ministry Weekend by Thrive for Life are fourfold:

1. To share the mission of Thrive for Life and raise awareness about their ministry within the archdiocese.
2. To identify families and friends who have loved ones currently incarcerated so that they can receive a monthly newsletter and experience a pastoral connection.
3. To galvanize and form a volunteer base willing to participate in days of reflection and retreat ministry behind the walls.
4. To build a clear pathway of continuity of care for all those returning home from prison who desire to continue their education in a supportive living community at Joseph House.

Moreover, our Office for Jail and Prison Ministry has made available bulletin notices and flyers with information concerning the following:

Dismas Ministry

Through free Bibles, prayer books, catechisms and Scripture-based study courses, Dismas Ministry supports chaplains, volunteers, and our sisters and brothers in prison. Their mission is to restore dignity, offer hope and nurture spiritual healing through God’s Word. Learn more here.

Friends Through Pens

A simple but transformative pen-pal ministry that connects volunteers with incarcerated women and men through handwritten letters. A small gesture of friendship can ease isolation, encourage personal growth and remind someone that they are not forgotten. Learn more here.

Ultimately, my hope is to raise awareness and help others to recognize that the Catholic Church’s mission is also one of accompanying our sisters and brothers who are behind prison walls. They too deserve to hear the Good News.”

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee

This article can be viewed online here.