After many years studying, teaching and counselling prisoners, Dr. Charles Taylor, Professor Emeritus, Acadia Divinity College came to the conclusion that many of those now in prison, especially the long-term offender, could benefit greatly from counselling that would encourage this desire to develop both spiritually and emotionally. It is our dream that the St. Luke's Renewal Centre will furnish the opportunity in which this may happen. In this context, spirituality is seen to speak to the longing for serenity, for wholeness, for unity of purpose. It speaks also of the wonder about the possibility that behind the everydayness of life there may be another order of reality. Spirituality speaks of the mystery of who we are as a person.
Mind brings a person into a problem, spirit lifts a person above it.
The objectives will be achieved through providing a quiet, reflective milieu where programs designed to meet specific needs are offerred to those who have indicated a willingness to participate. There is also a tangential benefit from the inmate's participation in the Centre. This has to do with the participation of volunteer persons who will be involved in program delivery. These contacts with persons in the larger community can provide meaningful contacts for him on release. Again, the program will foster closer involvement of the Institution with the community as the Council involves individuals and churches in financially contributing to the building of the facility and in support of the staff person.