Rehabilitation and restoration must include the spiritual dimension of healing and hope.“
— USCCB, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice (2000)
The Catholic Conference of Illinois coordinates the Illinois Catholic Prison and Jail Ministry Network, which is made up of clergy and laity from each diocese who minister to prisoners and inmates of state, federal and local institutions. The Network is organized as a practical response to Church teachings and the call of our bishops.
Marilou Gervacio serves as the CCI staff member for the Illinois Catholic Prison and Jail Ministry Network.
Diocesan representatives include the following:
Chicago
Dr. MaryClare Birmingham
Phone: (773) 247-0070
Email: maryclare@kolbehouseministry.org
Belleville
Mr. Lou Slapshak
Phone: (618) 234-8334
Email: lslap@mindspring.com
Peoria
Deacon Joe LaHood
Email: jalahood@comcast.net
Rockford
Rev. Howard Barch
Email: hbarch@rockforddiocese.org
Springfield-in-Illinois
Rev. Dan Willenborg
Phone: (217) 532-5288
Email: dwillenborg@dio.org
State prisons, state youth centers and federal prisons by diocese
Archdiocese of Chicago
State youth center
Federal prison
Diocese of Belleville
State prisons
Big Muddy River Correctional Center
Pickneyville Correctional Center
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
State youth centers
Federal prison
Diocese of Joliet
Diocese of Peoria
Federal prison
Diocese of Rockford
Diocese of Springfield-in-Illinois
State prisons
Jacksonville Correctional Center
Taylorville Correctional Center
Western Illinois Correctional Center