Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body (Hebrews 13:3).

The Catholic Prison Fellowship Association (CPFA), commonly known as the Catholic Prison Ministry (CPM) in parishes, is a social service movement dedicated to bringing the grace and love of Jesus to incarcerated individuals. It answers God’s call to support prison inmates and their families. This mission is carried out by parishes within the KL Archdiocese, supported by committed volunteers and priests.

Journey of CPM to CPFA

The Catholic Prison Ministry (CPM) was officially established in 1985 as a parish-based initiative at the Church of the Holy Family in Kajang. This inspiring mission was initiated by Sr. Catherine O’ Sullivan, an Irish missionary nun, after her transfer to Kajang and the start of operations at the Kajang Prison Complex that same year. The CPM was soon recognized as an essential part of the Catholic Church’s mission.

Before the Ministry’s formation in Kajang, Sr. Catherine, who was teaching at Seremban Convent, gathered a group of dedicated volunteers to visit prison inmates and support their families, while also serving vulnerable communities. Additionally, some priests carried out priestly duties in prisons across the country.

Prison Ministry Formed in Holy Family Church

The Prison Ministry at Kajang parish began its mission with twelve dedicated volunteers, led by Mr. Anthony Hew, who visited the men’s and women’s prisons in Kajang. The primary goal was to show compassion and care, and to bear witness to God’s liberating love for those behind bars. Despite its humble start and the challenges faced, the Ministry grew over the years, attracting more volunteers through church announcements and increased awareness.

Interest from volunteers in other parishes within the Archdiocese also grew. The late Cardinal Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez approved the formation of the Catholic Prison Ministry at the KL Archdiocese level, allowing participation from all parishes.

Prison Ministry at KL Archdiocese

The KL Archdiocese Prison Ministry was established in 1998, and since then, around 130 dedicated volunteers, including priests from various parishes, have joined to meet its expanding needs and provide spiritual care and comfort to inmates and their families. The Ministry expanded to various parishes, supported by an Archdiocesan Committee responsible for managing the movement and overseeing its outreach activities.

Ministry Registered and Continue its Work with the Church

To solidify its recognition alongside other religious and faith-based NGOs serving prisons, the Prison Ministry of the KL Archdiocese registered as the Catholic Prison Fellowship Association Selangor (CPFAS) with the Registrar of Societies in 2010. In 2014, to support the development of Prison Ministries in the Penang and Melaka/Johor Dioceses, CPFAS amended its name to the Catholic Prison Fellowship Association (CPFA). This change allowed for collaboration among the three dioceses under the CPFA in Peninsular Malaysia. Volunteers from these dioceses now visit prisons nationwide to share God’s love and Word.

What Do We Offer:

In Prison Care

Offer inmates pastoral and spiritual care, biblical counseling, and motivation. Celebrate Eucharist/Mass in prisons at Easter and Christmas to bring Jesus to them. Conduct baptism for inmates who accept Jesus and embrace the Catholic faith. Supply Bibles in various languages to inmates for better understanding of the Faith. Provide baby food and essentials under the Child Care Project in the Women’s Prisons of Kajang.

Out Of Prison

After Care provides a second chance to released prisoners by offering halfway homes and supporting their reintegration into normal community life. Released male inmates are sent to the Second Chance Community Home Kuala Lumpur (in collaboration with SSVP), while released female inmates are currently sent to a halfway home under Malaysian Care. Efforts are underway to establish our own Archdiocese home. We also journey with the families of prison inmates (regardless of race or religion) to ensure their well-being is not compromised due to the loss of the sole breadwinner. Our programs focus on back-to-school support, food, and transport to school.

Others

Provide induction programs to equip prison volunteers with the necessary knowledge and Christ’s love to support their mission with prison inmates and their families.

Collaborate with other NGOs and government bodies (such as Malaysian Care, BAM Lifestyle, AADK, Kuala Lumpur Crime Prevention Practitioners Association (KLCPPA), etc.) to raise community awareness on the dangers of drugs and addiction, rehabilitation, and crime prevention.

Work together with other NGOs to be the ‘voice of prison inmates’ to the Malaysian authorities.