PRISON MINISTRY

My name is Deacon Eloy Contreras, and I serve as a Catholic deacon with a heart for reaching those on the margins. One of the deepest callings in my ministry is walking alongside incarcerated youth, offering them hope, healing, and a path to renewal through faith.

I currently serve at Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF), where I lead a growing Catholic outreach through Journey2Renewal, our ministry dedicated to restoring dignity, identity, and spiritual life among young men behind bars.

Every Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., I visit the facility without fail—even on holidays. I often say, “I go when I’m needed, not when convenient.” That phrase captures the heart of this ministry. During these visits, I lead a Communion Service, followed by catechesis sessions and Bible study groups. Once a month on Thursdays, I return to celebrate Mass with any priest available to serve.

What began with just 7 young men has grown to a vibrant group of 20 participants, and we hope to continue expanding. These young men are hungry for spiritual truth, guidance, and the love of Christ. It is an honor to witness their transformation.

To continue growing and deepening our outreach, I am currently seeking donations of 25 Catholic Bibles, 25 Catechisms of the Catholic Church, and other items to support our ministry. These resources will allow the young men to follow along in Scripture, engage in deeper study, and take ownership of their faith journey.

If you feel called to support this mission, please consider donating through our Amazon Wish List linked below:

👉 Click here to view our Amazon Wish List

Purchased items can be sent Directly to the Facility using the following information:

Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility

Attn: Chaplain -Catholic Services

1501 Albert Street

Racine, Wi. 53404 

Your support helps plant seeds of faith, hope, and renewal—seeds that can grow into powerful witnesses of God’s mercy, even behind prison walls.