Maghaberry Prison

Chaplaincy

The Bible urges, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow-prisoners" (Hebrews 13:3). No matter how pleasant the surroundings prison can be an unpleasant place. The prison chaplains are here to show prisoners that, no matter what the crime, it does not mean that God has given up on the offender. There are chaplains for Church of Ireland, Free Presbyterian, Methodist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic prisoners. Arrangements can be made for those of other denominations or religions.

Basically the prisoner is in jail because he/she has been charged with breaking the law of the land. Whether that's true or not, each person has broken the law of God and stands guilty before Him. "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). That's the bad news. Prison is a form of punishment and nobody likes to be punished. But time in prison also gives you time to think. This is where the good news comes in. The prison chaplain is there to listen to the prisoner, to befriend him/her, to discuss spiritual matters like sin and guilt, as well as family relationships, helping the prisoner to face up to time in jail. Most important of all, he is there to point the prisoner to Christ and His Word, to His costly mercy and forgiveness.

Worship services:

• Lord's Day, 9a.m. (Free Presbyterian)
• Lord's Day, 2.30p.m. (other Protestant denominations)
• Saturday evening or Lord's Day in individual houses (Roman Catholic mass)

Women's prison:

• Lord's Day, 9.15a.m. (Protestant)

Saturday evening (Roman Catholic mass)
If a prisoner is serious about applying the Word of God to his life there are Bible studies which take place in some of the houses. A class is ongoing in Education for committed Christians and we (chaplain and Prison Fellowship) hope to start a class for those inquiring about Christianity. The chaplains are also on hand for confidential personal contact and counsel.

As a prisoner would leave the prison at the end of his time here it is our desire that that person may leave his sinful past behind and go out changed for the better. Only Jesus can really set the prisoner free.

• Church of Ireland chaplains -  tbc
• Free Presbyterian chaplain - tbc
• Methodist chaplains - Leslie Spence, Denis Bambrick
• Presbyterian chaplain - Rodney Cameron 
• Roman Catholic chaplains -  Frank O'Hagan Stephen McBrearty,