Source: Julia Corcoran, PACT / Independent Catholic News

Prisoners’ Sunday falls this year on 13 October. With the support of Liaison Bishop for Prisons Richard Moth, Pact invites parishes across England and Wales to bring people in prison, and their children and families, before the Lord in prayer.

Pact is the national Catholic charity supporting prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. This year marks 125 years since the charity’s formation as the Catholic Prisoners’ Aid Society. Today Pact supports people of all faiths and none, working in
more than 60 prisons, in courts, and in communities across England and Wales. The support of Catholic parishes has been and continues to be invaluable.

Our prisons are in crisis. There are record numbers of people behind bars. Inspectors regularly report instances of vermin, violence, self-harm and people languishing in cells with nothing to do. At the same time, too many people are released with no home, no
job, no family and no hope.

The ripple effects of this crisis are felt well beyond the prison walls. The lives of hundreds of thousands of families and children are affected as they too serve a hidden sentence.

Having a mother, father, husband or wife in prison can have a devastating impact – more than half of families tell us they are struggling to afford the basics for them and their children.

In September, every Catholic parish will receive a Prisoners’ Sunday pack with a poster, bidding prayers, and a message from Pact President Cardinal Vincent Nichols. The charity encourages all parishes across England and Wales to mark the day on 13 October – or another nearby Sunday – respectfully requesting a second collection for those who choose and are able to donate. The money raised will help Pact to do more in the year ahead to support women and men in prison and their children and families.

Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs shares: “Every day, I hear how our prisons are in crisis…” Read more

LINKS

Pact: www.prisonadvice.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PactFaithAction
Twitter: @PactFaithAction
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/prison-advice-&-care-trust
Instagram: @prisonadvice
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/PrisonAdviceandCareTrustPact