Protestant Chaplaincy at the CCC & CRC
The Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod has been responsible for the Protestant Chaplaincy at the Calgary Correctional and Remand Centres since August 2005.
Rev. Tom Brownlee is appointed to this ministry and spends 20 hours/week at each centre.
Why minister in prisons?
In Matthew 25:36-40, Jesus tells his disciples that when they visit his brothers and sisters in prison, they are visiting him. This is the primary reason that Christians have visited prisoners through the years and why we have chaplains in prisons. But, it is more than the chaplain whom Jesus calls into prison. Jesus calls the Christian community to a shared ministry inside the prison walls.
What is the Chaplain's work?
The Protestant Chaplain works alongside the Roman Catholic Chaplain and a part time volunteer chaplain at these two centres, ministering to inmates and staff. This is done through conversation, prayer, and by providing Bible studies and other learning opportunities. Protestant worship services take place on Sunday evenings, so that volunteers can be free to attend.
Volunteering
While most inmates know what they need, few have the support mechanisms to achieve what they need. The one thing that would help them greatly is Christian friendship. They need to hear that God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace is for them too. They need to experience people who live out those values.
Volunteers are need
- to worship with us on Sunday evenings, specifically with the signing and the discussion following the meditation
- to lead Bible studies and fellowship times in various units
More information
If you think God is calling you to become involved in prison ministry, please contact Rev. Tom Brownlee:
Correctional Centre: 403.662.3764
Remand Centre: 403.241.4417
Cell: 403.542.2156
Email: tom.brownlee@gov.ab.ca
Links
Prison Fellowship Canada
Correctional Service of Canada - Chaplaincy
The International Prison Chaplains' Association