David Coe, Interim Director of Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, stops by the You Visited Me studio to discuss his role as coordinator of prison ministry for an entire diocese, and why he doesn't just stay in an office but actually works as a prison chaplain as well!

Most Rev. Mark Bartosic, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, discusses his personal involvement in jail and prison ministry, its importance for the Church, and why catholics shouldn't hesitate if they feel called to serve in this forgotten work of mercy. www.catholicprisonministries.org

Dr. Ansel Augustine, Assistant Director of African American Affairs at the USCCB, discusses his new book and the impact that prison ministry has had on his work in New Orleans and beyond, including stories of how incarceration has affected his family and his youth. This webinar is more than a call to action—it’s an invitation to journey alongside our brothers and sisters as co-creators of a better, more just world. www.catholicprisonministries.org

Saludos a todos. Bienvenidos a Me Visitaste, el podcast de la coalición de ministerios católicos de prisiones, Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, donde descubrimos el poder transformativo del Ministerio de las Prisiones a través de conversaciones con capellanes, voluntarios y personas anteriormente encarceladas cuyos vidas han sido cambiadas profundamente por sus encuentros detrás de las rejas. Cada episodio revela cómo la gracia de Dios trabaja en los lugares menos esperados, rompiendo barreras y restaurando la esperanza. Hoy estamos con Imelda Richárd. Desde que era niña en Lima, Perú, Imelda siempre soñó con ayudar a los demás, pero no deja de sorprender la manera de que Dios la llevó a ser coordinadora del Ministerio de Prisiones de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta y a descubrir su vocación de acompañar a los que están cautivos.

This week's episode is a replay of our October 8 webinar, "The State of Youth Confinement & Lessons for All of Us." The webinar is hosted by Fr. George Williams, SJ, Chaplain at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and his guest is Wendy Sawyer, Research Director at Prison Policy Initiative. Past webinars can be found on CPMC's YouTiube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@catholicprisonministriesco3928. For information on upcoming webinars, and to search our vast library of resources for prison ministers and volunteers, please visit https://www.catholicprisonministries.org. The Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) promotes ministry to all people affected by incarceration. Our goal is to recruit, train, support and empower those called to this ministry. We strive to create a more just and merciful criminal justice system that upholds the dignity of every human person and advances restorative justice.

In this episode we talk with Alberto De Simoni, Professor of Classics at North Carolina State University. Alberto, whose friends know him as Desa, recounts his life-changing experience befriending and accompanying a man on Florida's Death Row. If you have ever felt the pull of prison ministry and want to delve more deeply into the “why” of Christ’s call to visit the imprisoned -- but don’t know the next steps to take, we hope you’ll visit our website and check out its wealth of resources, including the How to Become a Minister page, as well as information on Foundational Training courses offered by CPMC. Visit www.catholicprisonministries.org for more information.

Join us for a “CPMC Sit Down” with Ingrid Delgado, who will explain how ordinary Catholics can step into advocacy, especially during this August congressional recess when our elected officials are back home in their districts, listening to constituents. Ingrid is the National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a founding member of CPMC’s Advocacy Network Team. Listen as she demystifies the advocacy process for those of us who might feel intimidated by the idea of meeting with our representatives. Whether you’re a minister, a lay leader, or simply someone who cares deeply about justice and dignity for those on the margins—especially those impacted by incarceration—this conversation is for you. We’re going to talk practically about how to find your representative, how to schedule that first meeting, and what to say when you get there. Because advocacy isn’t just for policy experts—it’s for people of faith who understand that our voices matter in shaping a more just society.