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Geelong Deanery |
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HM Prison Barwon Ministry
Each alternate Thursday evening at 6.00 pm, Mass is celebrated at HM Prison Barwon by Fr Grant O’Neill, Prison Chaplain, or one of the Geelong parish priests who have offered their time to ensure that the prisoners have the opportunity to attend and participate in the celebration of the Mass. Two dedicated volunteer groups from the home parish of Lara, Sacred Heart College Newtown, and some of the more central parishes offer their time, on a roster basis, to attend Mass with the prisoners. Following Mass, a cuppa, biscuits and good ‘chin-wag’ are enjoyed by everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity for the prisoners to talk about their families, what they have been doing in the workshop, gym and education programs or just ‘be’ with people who offer friendship that is non-judgemental and doesn’t pry into their private lives. The volunteer groups also support the Anglican Church Ministry by attending their service on the alternate Thursday evenings. The prisoners enjoy the opportunity to have contact with people from ‘the outside’ who are able to bring into their lives a dimension of normal, newsy type chat, about sport, holidays, entertainment and so on. This is a diversion for just over an hour each week from the monotony of their lives and their day-to-day interaction with the same people in the same environment. Personally I have found these visits very enlightening and rewarding. At first it was quite daunting to be ‘behind the walls’ of a high-security prison and to overcome many of the misconceptions that I had regarding prison life. I have become very appreciative and understanding of the human side of these men, who in many cases have experienced much discrimination. Poor self-esteem, low educational achievement and, often, poor modelling and underprivileged backgrounds do not enhance their chances of rehabilitation, one of the major challenges of the present prison system. Currently we do not require extra volunteers, but if you feel you would like further information regarding prison ministry, please contact your parish priest who can direct you to the Prison Ministry Office. Marie Robertson |
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