Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is with deep sadness that I write to share the news that Rev Albert Patrizi passed away on Monday 20 November, 2017. He was 57 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and three children, David, Joshua and Naomi.

Albert had a strong call to prison ministry and was ordained as a Deacon in the Uniting Church in 2013. He began working as a Prison Chaplain in a volunteer capacity from 2011 until 2013, when he was employed in a part-time placement.

In 2014, Albert started and produced a series of Prison Chaplaincy Newsletters. These provided updates and information about how God was working in the lives of prisoners through Albert's ministry. An article about Albert’s call to prison chaplaincy was featured in the November 2012 edition of New Times (available online here).

Albert was extremely passionate about his ministry, and had the gift of being able to journey with prisoners in extremely difficult circumstances. He had a very real faith in Jesus Christ and was able to articulate his faith in a way that was relevant and easily understood. Albert's warm, friendly and approachable personality, combined with gifts of empathy and compassion, enabled him to connect with prisoners and relate to them in positive ways to bring the Gospel message of hope and encouragement.

Please pray for Maria, David, Joshua and Naomi, as well as Albert's wider family and friends, as they grieve this loss. A funeral service will be held on Monday 27 November at 10am at Clayton Wesley Uniting Church.

In Christian love,

Rev Sue Ellis

Moderator
Uniting Church SA