Prisons are not meant to be places of rejection, punishment and revenge, but rather a mission field where we are called to share Jesus’ good news of love, mercy and inclusion.
That is according to Bishop Tim Norton, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Delegate for Prisons.
Prison Sunday, which was celebrated on November 10, encourages us to embrace a spirit of love and mercy in our attitudes towards those women and men who are placed in correctional centres around the country, Bishop Tim said.
He paid tribute to the people who minister to those in jails across Australia and to their family and friends.
“Prison ministers accompany people who are often fragile and damaged,” Bishop Tim said.
“Instead of condemning prisoners, they offer them the boundless mercy and healing love of God.
“That is not always an easy thing to do, but many prison chaplains will tell you that the prisoners they accompany have been instruments through which God has blessed them with new insights in their faith life.”
Prison chaplains give us a window into the stories of those who are sent to prison, the difficulties they face while in prison and the struggles and hardships faced by their families.
“Another important part of the work of prison chaplains is to work alongside other providers to support prisoners on their release so that there is a better chance for them to make a go of life outside,” Bishop Tim said.
“The prison chaplains in our parishes have important things to tell us about what they have learned from their accompaniment of prisoners.
“They also offer us opportunities to meet and listen to our sisters and brothers who have served time in prison and to support them as they seek to re-integrate into the community.”
Resources can be found here: Prison Sunday