Supporting Those in Prison

Within the boundaries of the Diocese of Harrisburg there are fifteen prisons – twelve county prisons, two state prisons and one federal penitentiary.

The Diocesan Conference of Prison Chaplains and Ministers consists of those serving as prison chaplains or lay ministers approved by a local pastor or the Bishop.

Their Mission

  • provide a resource and network of support for those in prison
  • assist in the formulation of diocesan policy and procedures with regard to prison ministry, when appropriate and necessary
  • encourage and facilitate the involvement of laity and ordained in the prison ministry apostolate
Pennsylvania Reentry List

The Lionheart Foundation compiled the following information over many months. The Diocese of Harrisburg does not endorse, investigate or support any of the below agencies or programs. They are provided for informational purposes only.

A Prayer for Justice & Mercy

Jesus, united with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
give us your compassion for those in prison.
Mend in mercy the broken in mind and memory.
Soften the hard of heart, the captives of anger.
Free the innocent; parole the trustworthy.
Awaken the repentance that restores hope.
May prisoners’ families persevere in their love.

Jesus, heal the victims of crime;
they live with the scars.
Lift to eternal peace those who die.
Grant victims’ families the forgiveness that heals.
Give wisdom to lawmakers and to those who judge.
Instill prudence and patience to those who guard.
Make those in prison ministry bearers of your light,
for all of us are in need of your mercy!
Amen.

(Prayer provided by the PNCEA Prison Ministries)

Oración por la Justicia y la Misericordia

Jesús, unido al Padre y al Espíritu Santo,
danos tu compasión por los encarcelados.
Sana las mentes afligidas por los recuerdos.
Suaviza los corazones endurecidos,
atrapados por la ira.
Libera a los inocentes;
da libertad a los que la merecen.
Despierta el arrepentimiento
que restaura la esperanza.
Que las familias de los prisioneros
perseveren en amar a los suyos.

Jesús, sana a las víctimas que
viven con las heridas de los crímenes.
Recibe en tu paz eterna a los que mueren.
Da a las familias de las víctimas
el perdón que alivia su dolor.
Llena de sabiduría a los legisladores y a los jueces.
A los guardias, infúndeles paciencia y prudencia.
Que los ministros de prisiones sean faros de tu luz,
pues todos necesitamos de tu misericordia.
Amen.

Deacon Tom Aumen

Adams County Prison

Office: 717-637-5236

Saint Columba Parish

Columbia County Prison

Office: 570-784-0801

Fr. Joshua Cavender

Cumberland County Prison

Office: 717-243-4411

Deacon Jim Doyle

Dauphin County Prison

Office: 717-233-1014

Deacon Phil Ladouceur

Dauphin County Prison

Office: 717-232-4237

Deacon Richard Ramsey

Franklin County Prison

Office: 717-264-6317

Jorge Nazario

Lancaster County Prison

Office: 717-392-4118

Doris Witmer

Lebanon County Prison

Office: 717-838-4319

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Lewistown

Mifflin County Prison

Office: 717-242-2781

Saint Joseph Parish, Danville

Montour County Prison

Office: 570-275-2512

Fr. Robert Sharman

Diocesan Director Office of Pontifical Missions

Office: 717-657-4804 x240

Fr. Carl Tancredi

York County Prison

Office: 717-873-5163

Deacon Jorge Vera, Sr.

SCI Camp Hill

Office: 717-737-4531 x4439

Sr. Susan Mary Born, IHM.

SCI Coal Township

Office: 570-648-0182

Marcia Hoffman

US Penitentiary Lewisburg

Office: 570-523-3104

Sacred Heart Parish, Lewisburg

Union County Prison

Office: 570-523-3104

Marianne Weltmer

Director for Life and Dignity

Phone: 717-657-4804 x322

Contacts

Marianne Weltmer

Director for Life and Dignity

Phone: 717-657-4804 x322

Secretariat of Catholic Life and Evangelization

Office: 717-657-4804 x303

Want to make a difference?

Volunteer!

The Diocese of Harrisburg’s Prison Ministry program ministers to those who are incarcerated and also to those outside of the prison, including families and victims of the incarcerated. Please consider being part of the healing and transformation of those in prison.