TE KAUWHATA A combined Catholic-Anglican ceremony was held in the Pacific Islands fale at Spring Hill Prison, Te Kauwhata, on March 13 to commission the two chaplains for the prison. Catholic Bishops Denis Browne and Pat Dunn conducted the service with Anglican Archdeacon Eru Beattie.

The Catholic chaplain, Greg Murphy of Huntly, was commissioned for two prisons Spring Hill and Auckland Womens hence the two bishops. The ecumenical chaplain, Hono Huirama, had recently moved from Waikeria Prison to take up his duties at Spring Hill.

Each chaplain was individually commissioned, making his official commitment to the service of prisoners and staff. This was followed by the laying on of hands by clergy and chaplains present and the lighting of the Christ candle by the three chaplains who serve at Spring Hill and Auckland Womens, symbolising their willingness to work together in the interests of those to whom they minister.

The ceremony was attended by several Maori Anglican clergy as well as chaplains from other prisons in the Auckland and Hamilton dioceses, together with friends and relatives of the two chaplains and staff of the prison.