TDCJ News

CVSD Welcomes Chaplain Billy Holmes as First-Ever Staff Chaplain

June 30, 2025

Effective July 1, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's (TDCJ) Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division (CVSD) is proud to announce the appointment of Chaplain Billy Holmes as its inaugural Staff Chaplain. This new role will provide comprehensive pastoral care and support to the agency's dedicated employees.

“The new Staff Chaplain position was created as part of our agency’s 2030 vision. TDCJ is in the process of enhancing our health and wellness initiatives for staff. The eight dimensions of wellness outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes spiritual wellbeing as one of eight key factors to improving an individual’s overall health and quality of life,” CVSD Director Christopher Carter said. “This new position will focus solely on providing pastoral care, religious support, and coordination of resources for staff. The Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division is very excited about this opportunity to serve our wonderful women and men that work hard each day to uphold our agency mission.”

Chaplain Holmes brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to service, with a remarkable 40-year career in public service and over three decades in pastoral leadership. His extensive background within the agency makes him uniquely suited for this groundbreaking role.

Chaplain Holmes began his career with TDCJ in 1985 as a correctional officer at the Ferguson Unit. Demonstrating dedication and leadership, he later transferred to the Huntsville Unit, where he was promoted to Sergeant. In August 2014, he transitioned into chaplaincy, serving at the Estelle Unit before moving to the Goree Unit in April 2015. For the past decade, Chaplain Holmes has served as the Unit Chaplain at Goree.

In his new capacity as the CVSD Staff Chaplain, Chaplain Holmes will expand his ministry to serve the broader agency staff and their families. His new duties will encompass a wide range of services, including:

• Providing pastoral support and guidance to staff members.
• Officiating weddings for employees.
• Conducting funeral and memorial services for staff and their families.
• Offering vital resources and support during times of crisis, such as hurricane season, severe weather events, displacement, and fire.
• Developing and leading religious workshops and educational programs for employees and their families.
• Delivering spiritual support to employees and their families navigating medical challenges.

“I am truly excited and honored,” Chaplain Holmes said. “It is so humbling for me to be able to minister in this capacity, this honor is beyond words. I am truly grateful to God for allowing me this opportunity. This servant is ready to serve God and his people. May God continue to bless our leadership for hearing the voice of God making this opportunity possible.”