Prison and Jail Ministry

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

Rev. Arturo Pérez Rodríguez
Phone: (773) 247-0070
E-mail: perezrod@aol.com

Belleville

Rev. Christian Reuter, OFM
Phone: (618) 482-5570
Email: cnreuter@yahoo.com

Joliet

Mrs. Jana Minor
Phone: (630) 761-3524
Email: amstorybook@sbcglobal.net

Peoria

Deacon Joe LaHood
Email: jalahood@comcast.net

Rockford

Deacon Rick Martin
Phone: (630) 966-0252 or (630) 901-4858
Email: Rev73@aol.com

Springfield-in-Illinois

Rev. Dan Willenborg
Phone: (217) 563-7146
Email: dwillenborg@stlouis-nokomis.k12.il.us

Catholic Chaplain Training Program

CCI worked with faculty at Lewis University in Romeoville to create a Catholic prison and jail chaplain training program. This 15-month, credit-worthy program consists of online courses and occasional two-day workshops. Read this brochure to learn more. Contact Dr. Christie Billups at Lewis University at (815) 836-5829 or BillupCH@lewisu.edu for more information.