A Day In The Life Of A Prison Chaplain

“I was in prison and you visited me.”! (Matt.25:36)

Arriving at 7.15 am I proceed through security similar to going through the Airport. I collect a set of keys, which will enable me to move through most areas of the Prison.

I go to my office greeting various staff on route. I spend a few quiet moments praying…

“Lord help me to remember that nothing is going to happen today that You and I can’t handle”.

I check all the phones for messages that may have come in since last night. I turn on the computer and look at all the mail and it tells me where everyone is and who is new in since yesterday and who may be in hospital. It tells me that there is a review meeting at 12 noon for prisoners that are on special observation and suicide awareness. These meetings happen on a regular basis.

As Chaplains, we have certain statutory duties each day. We must visit the new men who have arrived in the past 24 hours. We must visit those in the punishment/segregation unit and those with medical problems.

I feel my main work is to be a listening ear – to walk alongside people as they struggle to cope with desperate situations. This I try to do but may not always succeed.

I make my way to the new committals, some will be transfers from other prisons and others arrive from court to prison for the first time. The latter group can feel lonely, overwhelmed and isolated; they may need me to phone their families and let them know where they are. On my rounds I meet many familiar faces as they make their way to workshops or the school.

I am called to the office for an urgent phone call. Paddy’s mother is extremely upset. His only sister has died tragically. His mother wants to break the news to him herself. I have a good relationship with Paddy, which is helpful at a time like this. He has been in and out of prison for many years, has an addiction problem and his behaviour is sometimes unpredictable. I am asked to supervise the visit. A heartbroken mother tries to console a devastated son. As I sit there I am reminded of Mary the mother of Jesus consoling her son on Good Friday. After the visit Paddy has to go back to his cell alone and try and deal with the loss as best he can.

I return to my office where I make some phone calls before proceeding to the 12.00 review meeting after which I meet my colleagues for lunch. It is a quick lunch because I have more phone calls to make and collect up items that lads asked me for on my rounds. It includes jigsaws, hankies that they draw on, gel pens, playing cards, rosary beads and puzzle books.

The lads are locked up between 12.30 and 2.15 pm so this gives us a chance to do calls to families, and sort out what they need. After lunch I hear that an elderly prisoner was taken to hospital complaining of chest pain. I also hear that Derek’s wife had a baby girl and that Jason has been passed to go to an open prison. Jason shared “I came into prison for the first time aged 60, I met you on the first day, the darkest day of my life. You contacted my daughter, which gave me comfort. I am happy to be going to the open prison because I will have more contact with my family”.

I get another phone call. Billy has arrived in prison for a minor offence and his mother is very concerned. On route to Billy I check in with Paddy I find him in deep shock. He tells me it is the 5th anniversary of his brother who died by suicide. Paddy is desperate to attend his sister’s funeral. We discuss the possibilities. I call to Billy who looks about 14. He is sitting on his bed clutching some family photos. I tell him about his mother’s phone call and he bursts into tears and is inconsolable for a time. I assure him he will be able to phone his mother and that she hopes to visit soon. As I sit with him, I’m aware that, he could easily be my nephew! Before returning to the office, I visit the separation unit and those on 24 hour lock up. All seem ok.

I make some calls for Paddy and Billy. The prisoner suffering with chest pain has returned. I speak to the Governor re: the possibility of Paddy attending the funeral. I have to ring the funeral undertaker and have all the funeral arrangements ready for the Governor before a decision is made. As I am about to finish for the day, a member of staff, who has been diagnosed with cancer calls for prayers.

As I drive home, I reflect on my day and feel I did what I could in the situations I found myself in, I leave the rest in God’s hands. Prison ministry is a wonderful Mercy work and I am very privileged to be able to do it.

Esther Murphy rsm
South Central Province