Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony Services in Livingston, Texas

The Kairos weekend is a transformative experience for inmates, and the closing ceremony marks the culmination of this powerful journey. This event is a celebration of growth, hope, and newfound faith, and it's an experience that leaves a lasting impact on all who attend.

Who Can Attend?

The closing ceremony of a Kairos weekend is typically open to a select group of individuals:

  • Inmates: The primary attendees are the inmates who participated in the Kairos weekend. They have spent the past few days immersed in a program designed to foster spiritual growth, personal reflection, and community building.
  • Kairos Volunteers: The dedicated volunteers inside teams and support teams who facilitated the Kairos weekend are also invited to attend the closing ceremony. They played a crucial role in creating a supportive and loving environment for the inmates, and their presence at the ceremony is a testament to their commitment to the program.
  • The Community: The community who has been praying for the weekend are invited to attend the closing ceremony. This allows the inmates to witness firsthand those who have been supporting the weekend through prayer and other forms of agape. 
  • Prison Staff: Prison staff members who have supported the Kairos weekend are also be invited to attend the ceremony. Their presence demonstrates the institution's support for the program and its recognition of the positive changes it brings about.

The Impact on Inmates

The closing ceremony of a Kairos weekend marks a significant milestone in the lives of the participating inmates. It's a time to reflect on the lessons learned, the relationships formed, and the commitments made. The impact of the ceremony on inmates is far-reaching and can be seen in various ways:

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Increased Hope

The ceremony reinforces the message of hope and forgiveness that is central to the Kairos experience. It helps inmates to believe that they can overcome their past mistakes and build a better future.

Strengthened Relationships

The ceremony provides an opportunity for inmates to strengthen their relationships with God, with each other, and with their loved ones. These relationships can provide ongoing support and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of incarceration.

Commitment to Change

The ceremony serves as a catalyst for positive change. Many inmates leave the weekend with a renewed commitment to living a life free from crime and addiction. They may also feel inspired to become mentors to other inmates and to give back to their communities.

Reduced Recidivism

Studies have shown that participation in Kairos programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates. By addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of inmates, Kairos helps them to develop the skills and values needed to lead successful and fulfilling lives upon release.

The closing ceremony of a Kairos weekend is a powerful and moving event that leaves a lasting impact on all who attend. It's a testament to the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and community. By witnessing the positive changes in the lives of inmates, attendees are inspired to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

Statement of Faith

The people of Kairos are called by God to share the love of Christ with those impacted by incarceration. Kairos encourages believers from a variety of Christian traditions to be volunteers in this Christ-filled ministry.

Kairos programs offer to prison residents, their families, and those who work with them the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, and to grow in their faith and servant hood in Christian community. We stand on the common ground of the following elements of faith:

We in Kairos believe:

  •  The Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired word for our faith and our lives.
  •  In the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  •  In the deity, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  •  Friendship with God is a free gift, for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
  •  The love of Jesus Christ motivates His followers to provide food for the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothes for the naked and visits to the sick and those in prison.
  •  In sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with all incarcerated individuals, their families and to those who work with them inside and outside the correctional institution.

Agreement

By my signature, as a faithful member on a Kairos Inside team:

  1. I will obtain a current Kairos Inside manual. I will read the manual and I will follow the program as it is presented in the Kairos Inside manual with no unauthorized additions or deletions.
  2. I will make every effort to attend ALL team meetings. I understand that if I miss these team meetings, I could be dismissed from the team.
  3. After becoming familiar with the program, as a Christian I agree to support, in good faith, the Weekend activities, as well as the theological and scriptural content of the Talks/Meditations outlined in the Kairos Inside manual.
  4. I am a Christian and I have read and agree with the Mission Statement, the Vision Statement, the CORE Values, and the Statement of Faith of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.