Ministry at Fairbanks Correctional Center
Since at least the early 1980s, priests, sisters, deacons, and lay volunteers have been visiting inmates at the Fairbanks Correctional Center. Some participate, weekly, in one-on-one ministry, listening to or praying with an inmate, struggling to renew or strengthen his or her faith in God. Others lead a Catholic service for men on Saturday afternoons. Both the visitors and the inmates share their reflections on the Gospel message. The bishop celebrates Christmas and Easter Mass for both men and women.Since no iron bars, electric gates, or cement walls can hold back the Holy Spirit, the Spirit is fully present in the FCC worshipping community. Inmates know Jesus too suffered the pain of incarceration. He is their model of hope. They, like all of us, turn to Him for redemption, mercy, and forgiveness.
All who wish to take part in the ministry must go through a three-hour training conducted by the Alaska Correctional Ministries to receive authorization for entrance to the facility and must also have approval from the diocese or their pastor to represent the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks. For further information contact the Stephen Ministry Outreach office or your local pastor.
Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska
Ann Nickerson
Director of Stephen Ministries
1316 Peger Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709-5199
907-374-9500 907-374-9580 (Fax)
info@cbna.org