Prison Ministry

Catholic Prison Ministry (CPM) respond's to the issues faced by people affected by the Criminal Justice System:

• in court
• in prison
• in community corrections
• in families
• in the wider community

We do this by encouraging personal and social change which promotes and maintains human dignity and the peace of the community.

When someone goes to prison, they are not the only ones who serve a sentence. Their families are punished by the loss of a loved one, and often through harassment by neighbours, friends and in the case of schoolchildren, by schoolmates. While they do not condone the offence committed by their loved ones, they still love them and want to help them.

Catholic Prison Ministry believes that:

• Prison must be an option of absolute last resort, used only when a person poses a threat to the safety and peace of the community.
   
• The aim of the criminal justice system must be to bring about reconciliation and restoration, rather than incrimination and retribution.
   
• Justice must be regarded as a community responsibility. Crime is not an individual problem. Social inequalities and injustices influence and give rise to crime.
   
• Justice must be founded on the restoration of peace and right relationships in the community, not on the judgement and punishment of others.
   
• We believe people will usually make the choice to live a lawful lifestyle when they are supported in an environment which affirms their self worth and provides for their basic needs.
   

Contacts

Catholic Prison Ministry
1/53 Tribune Street South Brisbane QLD 4101
PO Box 5251 West End Qld 4101

Ph: 07 3846 7577
Fax: 07 3844 2703
Email: cpmqld@bigpond.net.au

 
Centacare Brisbane