Presentation Sister Veronica Casey outlines what is involved in the ministry of Prison Chaplaincy in a newly published booklet.

Sr Veronica, Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Senior Prison Chaplain, hopes the new booklet Prison Ministry: what is it and how do I get involved? Tiaparani Whareherehere: He aha tēnei mea, ā,he pēhea te hono atu? will interest people around New Zealand to become involved in prison ministry. 

The Church has women and men chaplains in each of the 18 prisons in the country — working in ecumenical chaplaincy teams. Veronica says that there is a need for more volunteers and paid chaplains to train for this ministry and hopes that the booklet, published by the Catholic Bishops, will answer some of the questions that people may have about the ministry.

Veronica has been involved in prison chaplaincy for many years. She said: "Prison ministry is service to some of our most rejected people in society. It's really a vocation, but it needs preparation. The issues of poverty, ethnic minorities and mental illness are key characteristics of prison populations everywhere. Prison chaplaincy is a core corporal work of mercy.” She encourages us to read about the service and get in touch if it stirs an interest.

The prison chaplaincy service is a Government-funded ecumenical service. The Catholic Church has a sub-contract with Prison Chaplaincy New Zealand to provide Catholic chaplaincy.

Last year Veronica had the opportunity to speak to Pope Francis about prison ministry in Aotearoa when she attended a Vatican conference on the plight of prisoners worldwide. She said: “Pope Francis has a deep concern for people in prison. At the conference he urged for changes in the outlook and approach in treating people in prison, offering help and adequate resources to live a dignified life, not discarding them. It’s a hugely important role. People in prison tend to come from disadvantaged backgrounds and they have no hope in their lives. Prison ministry is about bringing hope and meaning to an otherwise hopeless situation. You can be the first person who’s ever listened to them.”

Prison chaplains are paid and provide religious and spiritual services. Training in theology and pastoral care is available through the Church’s Te Kupenga-Catholic Leadership Institute. Anyone considering the role is advised to do these studies. Volunteers can be involved in a variety of ways such as pastoral visiting, Bible study and Sunday service.

"This is a ministry for the whole church and parishes can be involved in prayer ministry, support for the prison chaplains and volunteers and for supporting people on release from prison."

Veronica is keen to talk with anyone who, after reading the booklet (attached below), thinks that they might have a calling to the service. Her contact details are in the booklet.