“We know in faith that Jesus seeks us out. He wants to heal our wounds, to soothe our feet which hurt from travelling alone, to wash each of us clean of the dust from our journey. He doesn't ask us where we have been, he doesn't question us about what we have done ... Jesus comes to meet us, so that he can restore our dignity as children of God. He wants to help us to set out again, to resume our journey, to recover our hope, to restore our faith and trust. He wants us to keep walking along the paths of life, to realise that we have a mission, and that confinement is not the same thing as exclusion.”
Pope Francis, Curran-Fromhold
On Sunday 12 November, we mark Prison Sunday. Celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday of November, Prison Sunday was initiated by Pope Francis in 2016 to bring attention to the plight of prisoners and highlight the important work of prison chaplains.
There are two prisons in the Sandhurst Diocese, the Beechworth Correctional Centre and His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Dhurringile, outside Tatura; both minimal security prisons for men. In Sandhurst, Prison Ministry is carried out by a dedicated team of Chaplains, including priests, a professed religious sister and volunteer lay women working together.
By Denice Bourke, Catholic Chaplain HMP Dhurringile
“You Visited Me” — Jesus
Bishop Shane had planned to visit Dhurringile and celebrate Mass for the residents there early in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a sudden stop to his much-anticipated visit. This year restrictions were eased across the Victorian prison system and Bishop Shane was, at last, welcomed to Dhurringile.
Prison Chaplain, Fr John Paul Pasala concelebrated Mass with Bishop Shane who was assisted by Shepparton Parishioner, Ryerson De Lai. Mons. Peter Jeffrey, also a Chaplain at Dhurringile, was in attendance, as were Prison Chaplains Agnes Murphy RSM, Debbie Turvey and Denice Bourke. Parishioners from Tatura and Kyabram also joined the prison congregation, much to the appreciation of the men who came to participate in the Liturgy.
It was such a joyful experience for all in attendance. Mass was followed by afternoon tea hosted by the prisoners, some who had baked cakes to express their gratitude to Bishop Shane and all who visited.
The role of a Prison Chaplain goes far beyond just looking after the religious and spiritual needs of prisoners. We also provide much-needed emotional, practical and social support. The Bishop’s presence among us reminded us that ours is a ministry of presence – we walk alongside those in custody, encouraging them to recognise their own dignity and worth and bring hope into their lives.
As Prison Chaplains and volunteers, we are blessed with a ministry to those who, as Pope Francis often points out, we know are dear to the heart of God but are usually maligned and abandoned by the world.
We sometimes find ourselves in dark places as we listen through the anger, pain, insecurity and fear of those we minister to, knowing we have been trusted enough to be in this space – we stand on Holy Ground.
We do of course, share smiles, laughter and great joy each week. At Dhurringile, Father John Paul visits to celebrate the Eucharist fortnightly. On alternate weeks, Chaplains gather for a Liturgy with Holy Communion, privileged to be able to provide a place at the Table of the Lord for those deprived of their liberty. At Beechworth Correctional Centre Father Tony Shallue celebrates the Eucharist on a regular basis and a team of Chaplains and volunteers hold Liturgies and visit the residents there each week.
“There is no corner of our heart that cannot be touched by God’s love,” Pope Francis said as he initiated Prison Sunday, during the Year of Mercy in 2016, to bring attention to the plight of prisoners and the important role of Chaplains. These words ring true each time I enter the prison, my time there often bringing profound experiences. I am always moved by the way those who attend the chapel participate so enthusiastically.
My first Good Friday experience in prison has stayed with me. I was so profoundly touched as over 30 men sat in deep silence; heads bowed in prayer before the cross. Their own experiences lead them to identify with Jesus, tried as a criminal and with criminals in the court of the day with judgement pronounced as the death penalty.
Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them[Hebrews 13:2-3].
If you are interested in volunteering with Catholic Prison Ministry Victoria, contact Sr Mary O’Shannassy on P 03 9287 5577| M 0408 572 299 or at E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pictured with Bishop Shane from left-
Fr John Paul Pasala, Mons. Peter Jeffrey, John Lilford Kyabram, Debbie Turvey Tatura, Mary Connelly Gale Tatura, Ryerson De Lai Mooroopna, Margaret Cocks Kyabram, Trish Warnett, Denice Bourke, and Ross Kelly Tatura, Sr. Agnes St Brendan’s Shepparton
