THE P RTAL
June 2016 Page 23
‘ Mercy ’ also doesn ’ t wait for the ‘ offender ’ to make the first move , but rather runs to meet the sinner on their journey ( Luke 15:20 ). The Scriptural mandate for prison ministry is of course well known : “ I was in prison and you visited me ” ( Matthew 25:41-43 ). It is here that the Bishops ’ Conference of England and Wales recognises the importance of Community Chaplaincies and their recruitment of volunteers from parishes to be the face of Christ to prisoners :
“ Churches are also helping offenders to reintegrate into local communities , through the development of Community Chaplaincy schemes . Volunteers are recruited from churches … to work under the supervision of a co-ordinator or community chaplain , in befriending and mentoring released prisoners … in London where a scheme has been started to support young offenders – a reduction in reoffending by those supported , has already been demonstrated . Most prisoners simply want someone to talk to and encourage them .”
Yet our Bishops “ acknowledge that concern for those in prison – despite it being one of the boldest of Jesus ’ commands as to how his followers are to serve him , is not high up on the agenda of many Christians .”
Chaplaincy Teams in London and across England and Wales are working extensively within the prison system to build professional relationships with prisoners , resulting in helping a sizeable number to rediscover their faith and be discipled and mentored in the truths of their faith . However , it is not possible for the small staff chaplaincy teams by themselves to give them this ongoing structured one to one support especially just before their release , arguably when they need it the most .
How can I get involved in volunteering in the prison ?
Mentoring :
Many chaplaincies have recognised that young people aged 15-25 need particular support when they leave prison in both spiritual and practical matters . Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trust ( FCCT ) is a multi-faith charity which trains volunteer mentors from the London region to support Chaplaincy Teams in the Young Offenders Institutes , HMP Feltham and HMP Isis . This will involve volunteers empowering young clients to be self-sufficient , praying with them , supporting and advising them where appropriate . The mentoring relationship begins just before their release and continues for a while in the community . Full training is given and whilst FCCT recruits volunteers from all backgrounds , there is a recognition within the charity that with Catholic young people making up a sizeable part of the prison population , more Catholic volunteers are absolutely essential in prison . It is also worth noting that a number of FCCT ’ s existing volunteers are in full time employment so it is possible to fit this role in within your existing commitments . If you sense the Holy Spirit could be leading you to be a ‘ sign of mercy ’ to prisoners during this designated ‘ Year of Mercy ’ please get in contact with them on 020 8844 5585 or ccfeltham @ hmps . gsi . gov . uk .
General Prison Volunteers
There is a plenty of opportunity to come into prison as a chaplaincy volunteer . Security clearance is not always needed . Just contact the Catholic chaplaincy in the prison nearest to you . There is a particular need for volunteers to support Mass which is not always on a Sunday morning . This shows prisoners that they are not forgotten by the Church outside the prison walls and also helps to improve behaviour . A quiet word when someone is talking works wonders . Prisoners are not monsters !
Indeed at some prison Masses concentration and engagement is better than at parish Masses . Prisoners really do value visits from outsiders . They like to talk and will invariably be polite and respectful . One volunteer who has experience of Army life said that prisoners reminded her of the soldiers she once lived among in their attitude to their chaplains and officers . And last but not least , there is a real spiritual hunger in prisons . Would you be stopped in your local parish church and asked about the meaning of a biblical passage ? But such is a relatively common occurrence in the custodial estate . Come and see for yourself !
Patrimony - Use - Rite - Church ...
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public service , as well as ecumenical engagement with the Orthodox community , deeply divided over links with the Russian Church . It founded the only Catholic university in the former Soviet Union in 2002 . The refounded historic seminary has 100 students , most of whom will marry , in preparation for the priesthood .
Worldwide in diaspora the Church has a renewed sense of mission , despite persistent opposition from the Moscow Patriarchate and the threat to peace from Russia ’ s undeclared war in Ukraine . Out of its sacrificial faithfulness to Catholic communion , its programme of wider evangelisation to society – “ The Vibrant Parish ” - developed a new Eastern Catholic Catechism with a telling title : Christ our Pascha – Christ is our Resurrection . contents page