A Day in the Life of a Prison Chaplain

This article originally appeared
in the Testimony, May 2003 —
Vol. 84, Number 5.
Reprinted by permission.
Photos by Sandra Rideout

Rev. Carl Wake is the Coordinating Chaplain at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC), where he has worked for thirteen years. The day he describes took place on December 10, 2002.

8:13 a.m.

As I approach the detention centre, I wonder at all those cars streaming by. Who are they? Where are they going? What is their story? I have been up since 5 a.m., had my devotions, worked on my Sunday School lesson, checked my e-mail and the weather and done some online banking. I am running late this morning because my car wouldn't start due to the cold. I have mixed emotions driving through the front gate as memories of crossing picket lines flash through my mind.

8:27 a.m.

As I enter the front lobby, I meet an Operational Manager, reminding me to speak to him about placing music cassettes in the personal belongings of five inmates. One of my volunteers, a gifted singer, donated the tapes. On my way to my office, I tour the institution, speaking with officers and inmates I meet, and pick up written requests from each area.

8:54 a.m.

At my office, I update my voicemail message, log onto the network, check my e-mail, download the nominal roll and area sheets, update the Religious Diets and Native Medicines lists, log the inmate requests, and make up a list of inmates to invite to an afternoon meeting. When Sandra, the Salvation Army chaplain who works Tuesdays and Thursdays, comes in we meet to plan the day. Before leaving my office at 10:50 a.m., I update the volunteer and professional visitor photo database with photos of two new volunteers. While doing this, I receive a call from a St. Paul University student wanting to be placed as an intern at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC).

11:00 a.m.

A highlight of my day is visiting the Young Offender Unit for a prayer and study until 11:20. This morning five residents attend. We are studying a series of Old Testament stories at their request. I read from the life of Abraham, then lead them in prayer. There are always some who hang back to ask questions.

11:30 a.m.

On my way up front to check my mail, I meet the community chaplain, and help him connect with an inmate who is being released Friday. Back at my office, I choose to work through the lunch hour. I phone the chaplain at a neighbouring institution in order to clear several of my volunteers who want to follow up with some of her inmates. I speak with a worker from a local aboriginal agency and explain the procedure for becoming a professional visitor. I e-mail the university student and connect her with my Alpha leaders. The religion list is printed for Sandra. Now she can follow-up with inmates listed as unaffiliated or "Religion Unknown". After "lunch" I go up front to pick up a box of free materials donated by a Christian organization.

12:50 p.m.

I spend the next forty minutes in my office on the phone. Negotiations with the deputy superintendent to permit a Jewish young offender to wear a wooden star of David given to him by his rabbi are successful. I confirm with the front door officer that the Wiccan priestess is indeed security-cleared and is there to meet with two inmates at my request. I also speak with the Roman Catholic deacon candidate who meets with inmates I refer to him for counselling.

1:45 p.m.

Before my afternoon meeting, I visit Admitting & Discharge to drop off the cassette tapes, as well as clothing for soon-to-be-released inmates. (An inmate who gets arrested in July just does not have the proper clothing for release in sub-zero weather.) From 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., I meet with four Muslim inmates who had been conducting a hunger strike over their religious rights. We are able to resolve their concerns.

4:10 p.m.

Back at my office, I return a call to the director of an open custody facility and learn that the Christmas banquet at which I was to speak has been cancelled. I make two more phone calls, only to leave messages on voice mail. I log the signed-off inmate requests and drop them off as I leave at 4:40 p.m.. The front door officer speaks with me about the Wiccan priestess.

4:57 p.m.

As I wait to turn left out of the detention centre, I wonder at all those cars streaming by, probably the same ones I passed this morning. Who are they? Where have they been? The half hour drive home allows me to reflect.

6:45 p.m.

After supper, Wendy takes Leah and Peter to Kid's Choir. Catherine busies herself with homework. Andrew and I work on his report for the church board meeting. He had been hired to network the church computers and update the software. By 8:40 p.m., the travellers return and soon it is time for bed for the three youngest. Wendy, Andrew and I visit until it is time for bed.

Thank you, God, for today. I cannot wait for tomorrow!