ANNUAL REPORT : 2008

PREPARED BY:
Rev. Judith A. Russo  B.A., M.R.E.
Duty Chaplain,
Toronto East Correctional Centre
55 Civic Rd.
Scarborough, ON
M1L 2K9
 
FOR: All Season Church of Canada
 
 
Chaplaincy.This has been a very eventful year in my ministry. I have moved from contract work and volunteer work with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Service to a full time permanent position at an adult male maximum- security facility. This offers many opportunities for a varied and interesting way of following God’s call to work and witness in our world. I complete a 40 hour work week, but travel 2 hours each way, so my days are about twelve hours long, without weather or traffic problems. This ministry includes supervision of a busy team of  over 100 volunteers, distribution of faith related materials and spiritual counselling. It is a challenging and fulfilling ministry, carried on in a multi-faith setting.
 
Pastoral care. As well as my ministry in the prison, I have continued to lead worship service occasionally for local pastoral charge in the Janetville area. As well, I have taken part in several funerals. I have conducted 8 weddings. I speak at churches in the Scarborough area concerning prison ministry and the needs of inmates when they are released to the community.
 
Continuing Education. I have continued to update my qualifications for this ministry by taking the first course in Restorative Justice, at Queen’s University in Kingston last spring, and hope to continue with the next course later this year.

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