For 30 years, Kairos Prison Ministry Australia has been transforming lives “from the inside out,” bringing hope, healing, and the love of Jesus to people affected by incarceration.
What began in 1995 with a small group of volunteers at Parramatta Correctional Centre has grown into a nationwide ministry. More than 720 programs have now been delivered across 50 correctional and community locations, reaching over 10,000 men, women, and youth through its core programs: Kairos Inside, Kairos Outside, and Kairos Torch.
About Kairos
Kairos Prison Ministry Australia is a faith-based program that brings hope, healing, and the love of Jesus to people affected by incarceration. Through its core programs – Inside, Kairos Outside, and Kairos Torch – it creates safe spaces where inmates and their families can encounter forgiveness, build supportive relationships, and begin new journeys of faith and personal transformation.
A 1998 image of the Kairos team from Silverwater Correctional Complex. Image: Kairos Prison Ministry Australia/Supplied
Local testimonials
Ursuline sisters Sr Patty Andrew OSU and Sr Venera Nicolosi OSU have been involved with Kairos Outside for Women for more than 20 years. They say the ministry creates safe spaces where people can encounter forgiveness, hear the gospel, and start new journeys of faith.
“I was particularly moved by the way the women leading and supporting groups were so non- judgmental of those who had received a prison sentence,” Sr Patty said.
“Their main aim was to allow the love and compassion of God’s mercy flow over and into the hearts of those who had been found guilty of a range of crimes.”
“The greatest impact this has is that it provides hope and a sense of community for those who feel isolation and shame from having a loved one in prison. They can talk about their personal suffering in a safe space,” they both shared.
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the social welfare agency of the Diocese of Parramatta, has long been involved with Kairos through the chaplaincy services it provides in local prisons.
Bishop Vincent Long during the Mass for inmates at John Moroney Correctional Centre.
Br Cyril Bosco CFC, one of Catholic Care’s chaplains, has worked at Parklea Correctional Centre for a year and spent the previous seven years at John Morony Correctional Centre, a medium-security facility near Windsor with around 420 inmates. As one of many Catholic Care chaplains who have worked with Kairos, Br Cyril shared his testimony at Kairos’ annual conference in Sydney in 2024.
“I moved into chaplaincy assisting inmates to discover their potential and God-given gift of reconciliation and love,” Br Cyril said.
“‘Lock them up and throw away the key’ is how many people talk about prisoners.
“Imagine if that were God’s tactic toward us when we fail Him. Repentance is the key to salvation, and it’s available to everyone – even prisoners.”
He drew inspiration from Mark 4:26-34, the parable of the mustard seed.
“We are meant to be God’s instruments, planting seeds of love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, trusting God to determine how they grow,” he said.
Br Cyril recalled an inmate in his early 30s struggling with drug dependency and feelings of parental rejection.
“All I could do was be present, listen to his story, and offer support,” he said.
“Kairos is an alternative for inmates to interact with people who offer understanding and care. I support Kairos because it complements my ministry.”
He said Kairos members are ordinary Christians on a faith journey.
“Through simple interactions, inmates see that your faith and dedication are real.
“Many discover that God offers second chances and love for all, which can spark genuine change.”
Br Cyril Bosco, outside John Moroney Correctional Centre. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Care Chaplaincy Manager Bernard Ellis has also long been involved in Kairos, bringing similar insights from his work at Emu Plains Correctional Centre.
Bernard still remembers the day Marie, a former female inmate at Emu Plains Correctional Centre first encountered Kairos. Encouraged by the chaplain to attend, the inmate arrived at the weekly gathering unsure of what to expect. What she discovered surprised her.
“What she found was complete acceptance, no judgement and a listening ear filled with love and compassion,” Bernard recalled.
“She found women who simply wanted to journey with the ‘women in green,’ accompany them wherever life was taking them, and support them in any way they could through simple fellowship and prayer.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, celebrates Holy Thursday Mass for the prisoners at Emu Plains Correctional Complex in April 2019. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
The sincerity of the Kairos volunteers soon sparked something in this inmate’s heart. Bernard remembers the moment clearly.
“After a few visits, [the woman] declared one afternoon, ‘I want what they have!’”
From that day, her life began to change course. She started setting goals, drawing up plans for her release, and opening herself to a new future she had never imagined possible.
“The motivation of these women of Kairos was simple, they wanted to respond in the best way possible to the challenge of Jesus: ‘I was in prison, and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:36),” he said.
To mark three decades of service, Kairos is hosting anniversary events in Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide, with music, testimonies, and inspiring stories. For those unable to attend, livestream options are available.
Colin Stiller, Chair of Kairos Prison Ministry Australia, said he’s seen thousands of lives changed.
“Many have experienced God’s love for the first time. We celebrate this legacy and look forward to welcoming many more into this life-transforming journey.”
Deborah Poulton, Chief Operating Officer, added, “This celebration is a call to keep going. The need has never been greater, and we are so grateful for our volunteers, supporters, and prayer partners.”
To learn more about this ministry, visit Kairos Prison Ministry Australia.
