The Chaplaincy

The Community Chaplaincy began in 1980 as a Friday evening program to assist ex-offenders in filling leisure time with study, worship and fellowship that would not lead to familiar temptations.

The Chaplain at Dorchester Penitentiary and his wife, not only recognized the need but the program became their Friday evening ministry. Rev. Pierre Allard and his wife Judy opened their home and recruited volunteers to help, who also opened their homes to facilitate the beginning days of Community Chaplaincy prison aftercare.

The ministry grew from meeting spiritual, social, recreational, and relationship building needs to a street level ministry with a team of Chaplains partnered with the Christian Council for Reconciliation. In 1985 the Chaplaincy was incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors appointed from the faith community. Up to this point the Chaplaincy was supported by the churches and interested members of the community. The Chaplaincy entered into a yearly contract with Correctional Service of Canada for funding to support the work of prison aftercare.

The Moncton Community Chaplaincy has been housed in several locations in the city. A permanent location for the Chaplaincy was a shared dream from chaplains, volunteers and the Board of Directors. Finally, in the spring of 2002, an opportunity presented itself and the Board of Directors decided to purchase the building at 75 Gordon Street.

The initial vision of the Chaplaincy was to be a presence in the community for the ex-offenders, to be with them: to be channels of God’s grace and power, to endeavor to walk with them toward a relationship with Christ, challenging them with His claims. Although there have been changes over the years in locale, method of operation, and financing, there are some important constants. The mission still considers itself an arm of the churches in the community; our vision has been maintained.

The Community Chaplaincy continues to strive for the reconciliation of ex-offenders to themselves, to God and to the community by following Restorative Justice principles. We thank God for the many blessings the Chaplaincy has received as a ministry and for the privilege of serving the people reaching out assistance with varying needs.