REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Archdiocese of Miami's Office of Detention Ministry is deeply committed to pastoral care, fostering healing and rehabilitation within our communities by offering compassionate support to those impacted by incarceration and detention. We provide comprehensive training and orientation for deacons, lay ministers, parish groups, and ecclesial movements, preparing them to deliver effective pastoral care within our Detention Ministry. Our programs equip volunteers to provide spiritual and emotional guidance to Adults in Custody and Minors in Custody (MIC) in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, who are often isolated and need hope. At the heart of our mission is bridging the gap between the Church and correctional and detention institutions, ensuring that individuals in custody receive the pastoral care necessary for personal and spiritual transformation, leading them toward healing and reconciliation.
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOLUNTEER:
1. Complete the Volunteer Personal Information Form (VPI) on the volunteering page (scroll down) to send by email to efarias@theadom.org
2. Obtain a Pastoral Reference Letter Form (PRL) from the same page (scroll down). Your pastor can send it by email to efarias@theadom.org
3. Register for the 4-Hour Formation in Prison Pastoral Care for New Volunteers (Initial Formation)
https://detentionministry.org/training
4. After you complete steps 1-2-3 the Office of the Ministry of Detention will send you a one-year ministerial endorsement letter. This letter signifies your availability to serve for one year.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MAINTAIN YOUR REGULAR AND OCCASIONAL VOLUNTEER MINISTERIAL ENDORSEMENT
Your commitment as an endorsed volunteer is vital to our ministry. You must complete a two-hour refresher training course annually to maintain your endorsement. This ensures you stay updated and prepared to serve effectively.
Please register as soon as possible for the 2-Hour Renewal in Prison Pastoral Care for Endorsed / Cleared Volunteers (Ongoing Formation) to renew your endorsement. I appreciate your dedication to this vital mission! https://detentionministry.org/training
VPI & PRL FORMS
VOLUNTEER PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM (VPI)
VOLUNTEER PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM (VPI)
VOLUNTEER PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM (VPI)
Click on the image to download the VIP FORM
PASTORAL REFERENCE LETTER FORM (PRL).
VOLUNTEER PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM (VPI)
VOLUNTEER PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM (VPI)
Click on the image to download the PRL FORM
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AGENDA
1. Prison Theology
• Suggested activity: Lectio Divina in small groups using Matthew 25:31-46
• Pastoral key: We don’t go to give; we go to encounter Christ.
• Group reflection question: What image do I have of an incarcerated person?
2. Prison Reality
• Resource: Present the map of prisons in the three counties.
• Social key: The prison context is a matter of social justice.
• Activity: Share one fact that impacted you most about the local or national system.
3. Golden Rules
• Exercise: Role play of a volunteer facing an ethical dilemma.
• Normative key: These rules don’t restrict—they protect and make the mission credible.
• Guided discussion: Which of these rules seems most difficult to you and why?
4. Liturgy of the Word and Communion
• Practice: Rehearse a Liturgy of the Word with active participation.
• Liturgical key: Do not improvise. Be faithful to the rite and the spirit of the service.
- Closing prayer and blessing for the ministry.