By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

 

Miami, FL (August 3, 2025) — The Archdiocese of Miami is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured the right to provide ongoing Catholic ministry and pastoral care at “Alligator Alcatraz,” the remote detention facility, located in the Everglades region. 

“I am pleased that our request to provide for the pastoral care of the detainees has been accommodated,” said Archdiocese of Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski. “Also, we were able to respond to a request to provide similar service to the staff who reside at the facility.  The Church has “no borders” for we all are members of one human family.  Our “agenda” was always to announce the “good news” to the poor.” 

The first Mass was celebrated Saturday, August 2 in the afternoon. Regular liturgical celebrations will continue following the facility’s guidelines and the pastoral availability of our clergy. This breakthrough comes after months of dialogue between Florida Bishops, Archdiocesan leadership, and state correctional authorities. The agreement ensures that Catholic chaplains and pastoral ministers from the Archdiocese of Miami will have full access to offer two liturgical Masses to detainees and Catholic staff inside the detention facility.  

The Archdiocese plans to have a successful and consistent Catholic presence at Alligator Alcatraz that will depend on effective organization and coordination. The goal is to ensure a stable schedule of sacramental care and pastoral ministry that meets the spiritual needs of both detainees and staff, with the support of clergy and committed lay volunteers. 

More information about the Archdiocese of Miami’s prison ministry or to volunteer can be found on the website.

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