Recently, prison chaplains from across the diocese gathered for their annual retreat, facilitated by Jill O’Dell at Invercauld House. The retreat was a time to pause, pray, and reconnect with the heart of their vocation.
Through scripture, shared reflection, and prayer, chaplains reflected on God’s call, the gifts they bring to ministry, and the reality of serving in places marked by isolation, loss, and hope held quietly.
The retreat concluded with a contemplation on the Road to Emmaus, reminding chaplains that Christ walks with them — often unrecognised — in prison corridors, visiting rooms, and conversations shaped by trust and compassion.
Prison chaplains offer a vital ministry of presence: listening without judgement, offering prayer and pastoral care, and witnessing to human dignity behind prison walls. This retreat strengthened chaplains to return renewed, grounded, and ready to continue walking with Christ and those entrusted to their care. We are blessed to have these chaplains working at Clarence Correctional Facility (Grafton) and the Mid North Coast Correctional Facility (Kempsey).
Photo (L to R): Fr James, Caroline, Dr Madeline Beveridge, Karine, Jill O’Dell (retreat facilitator), and Maria
