Jail ministry
Note: we are not able to visit the jail during the pandemic. We are, however, continuing to collect toiletries for incarcerated men and women. You may bring these items to church and place them in the same cart you use for food donations.
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Jesus did not take his ministry only to the rich and powerful, but spent much of his time with people on the margins of society. Often it is with outcasts, and those who are suffering, that we meet Jesus.
Every Thursday afternoon, men and women from St. Stephen’s offer Bible study and Holy Communion to the women and men of the Richmond City Jail. This is a ministry of reconciliation between St. Stephen’s and our incarcerated brothers and sisters who want to change their life’s direction through a stronger relationship with God, as we all do.
In addition to the weekly visits, the people of St. Stephen's Church include the men and women of the city jail in our weekly prayers during public worship. We know from our visits with inmates that they not only deeply appreciate these prayers, but they pray for our parish, too.
If you are interested in participating in this ministry, or would like to learn more, please be in touch with our outreach director listed below, who can tell you about upcoming orientation and training.
- Read an article by Episcopal News Service about this ministry here.