“For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.” Matthew 25:36

The Diocese of Bathurst has many correctional facilities that house those who are vulnerable and need to see and feel the love of God. These facilities include Lithgow, Oberon, Kirkconnell, Bathurst, Wellington and Macquarie (also in Wellington).

Visiting prisoners is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. The Diocese of Bathurst has a dedicated team of Prison Chaplains who minister within the walls of these facilities each and every day. They bring Jesus to those who have committed crimes and made mistakes. They fulfil the command of Jesus to help those who need it the most.

Catholic Chaplains work closely with Chaplains from other denominations and faiths and regularly make a substantial difference in the lives of more than 1,700 men and women who are imprisoned in our region.

This ministry extends beyond the gates of the Correctional facilities across the Diocese as there are always opportunities for those who wish to help in simple ways that can transform lives. If you would like to find out more about Prison Ministry, please contact Deacon Josh Clayton via email: mrd@bathurst.catholic.org.au

Prison Chaplains

Sarkis Achmar
Bathurst Correctional Complex

Fr Tony Hennessy
Wellington Correctional Facility

Fran Schubert
Macquarie Correctional Facility, Wellington

Sr Virginia McGrath rsj
Lithgow Correctional Facility

Contact: Deacon Josh Clayton
Oberon Correctional Centre