Crystal Catalan is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Presentation High School in San Jose, CA. Crystal previously served as a missioner with Cabrini Mission Corps (a lay program of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – “Cabrini Sisters”) in New York, the Philippines, Swaziland, and Radnor, PA at Cabrini University, and it was the Sisters who first introduced her to jail ministry.
Crystal has served in jail ministry since 2010 and has served at Rikers Island, Baguio City Jail in the Philippines, and currently serves as a minister at Elmwood Correctional Facility with the Diocese of San Jose. She is an experienced restorative justice practitioner, leading Bible studies, and holding circles and prayer services for both the women’s and men’s units.
Crystal has led numerous workshops and delivered talks for Confirmation and retreat programs, the Ignatian Solidarity Network, Catholic Mobilizing Network, youth and young adult ministries, and trainings in partnership with Catholic Relief Services. She has over 10 years of experience coordinating and leading immersion trips for youth and adults, and enjoys learning about new cultures and increasing our capacity for global solidarity.
Crystal has received VOEG training through the Insight Prison Project and is currently pursuing her Masters in Pastoral Ministries with an emphasis in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy at Santa Clara University, along with the Certificate in Restorative Justice Leadership and Facilitation through the University of San Diego.