A new live-streaming initiative at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center in Louisiana is enabling priests, chaplains, and spiritual advisors to broadcast church services directly to the inmates’ dorms. As reported by KLFY, this project—made possible by a generous donation from Pastor Jacob Aranza of Our Saviors Church in Lafayette—offers incarcerated individuals the chance to build a spiritual foundation, which may support their rehabilitation and transition back into society.
Warden Robley Picard shared that the initiative has been well-received by inmates, who can now access services throughout the week and on Sundays without needing to leave their dorms. “It’s convenient for everyone,” Picard noted, explaining that the service streams directly to the TVs in each dorm, enhancing both convenience and security by eliminating the need for inmate movement.
Previously, services required in-person gatherings, which presented security risks due to the movement of inmates within the facility. Now, with live-stream church services, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office can offer spiritual resources without compromising safety. Sheriff Becket Breaux emphasized that this program is one of many tools the agency uses to prepare inmates for a positive future, citing faith-based programs and counseling as essential components of rehabilitation.
This live-streaming setup reaches all 186 inmates across the eight dorms at the correctional center, giving them access to regular church services and spiritual support directly in their living spaces.
For more details, read the full article on KLFY.
