The Archdiocese of Seattle is preparing a Zoom presentation Nov. 21 on the One Parish One Prisoner program, which pairs former prisoners with parishes in Washington state.

The Underground Ministry's initiative to transition prisoners into post-incarceration life includes pairing a recently released prisoner with a parish that can provide a supportive community. One Parish One Prisoner states the number of incarcerated people in Washington is about same as the number of churches in the state. 

The Archdiocese's invitation to join the presentation was made Nov. 5 in a social media post. 

"Archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry invites you to a special evening of storytelling and fundraising for Underground Ministries, our partner organization in the effort to end mass incarcerations via our One Parish One Prisoner initiative," the Facebook post stated. "Please join us on Nov. 21 to learn how you can help at 7-8 p.m. via Zoom."

According to its website, Underground Ministries, based in Pueblo, Colorado, works with business and employer partners to assist formerly incarcerated people successfully rejoin society. Underground Ministries works at "emptying the tombs of mass incarceration together," a play on a line from the Nicene Creed, "We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come."

The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Criminal Justice Ministry seeks to provide support to all impacted by crimes. Members of the archdiocese ministry visit prisons in western Washington state to provide pastoral care, prayer services, Mass and sacraments to prisoners. They also provide support to crime victims and their families.  

The Archdiocese of Seattle’s Criminal Justice Ministry currently serves in nine Washington Department of Corrections prisons, seven county jails, five juvenile detention facilities, one tribal jail, one state special commitment center, one federal detention center and one federal immigration detention center.

For more information visit the Underground Ministries website at https://undergroundministries.org.