Prisoners’ Sunday marks the first day of the ecumenical Prisons Week, a week of prayer which raises awareness of issues faced by those affected by the criminal justice system.
13 October 2024
Prisoners’ Sunday is the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependents as marked by the Catholic Church and across the Christian denominations. It is a day to direct our thoughts and prayers to prisoners, their families and children. Prisoners’ Sunday is the time to reflect on how we as individuals, as a Church and as a community are serving those affected by imprisonment.
Prisoners’ families, prisoners and people with previous convictions often find themselves on the margins of society due to the social stigma associated with imprisonment. They are often forgotten or come lower down on the list of causes to ‘hold a hand out to’. But the gospel of Matthew 25: 36 reminds us of our duties towards them:
“I was in prison and you came to me.”
Matthew 25: 36
Bishop Richard Moth has also issued a statement acknowledging that our prisons are in crisis and that, due to rising violence, overcrowding and a lack of purposeful activities, “the deprivation of liberty has become the deprivation of human dignity.” Bishop Moth places a special prayerful emphasis on the children of imprisoned parents and caregivers. Read here.
Pact’s work embodies the Christian value of mercy and belief in the innate dignity of every human being. Through this campaign we ask you to engage with a core element of Catholic social teaching and put our faith into action.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of Pact, writes to all parishes in the Pact Prisoners’ Sunday Pack, to encourage support for this time of reflection, prayer and action everywhere on Prisoners’ Sunday.
Pact are grateful to parishes who are able to hold a second collection to support the work of Pact – and to individuals who may send a donation at this time. A second collection can also be arranged on an alternative date if that works better for your parish. Perhaps some supporters may be able to hold a simple fundraising event.
Watch this video below for more information about Prisoners’ Sunday and how you can get involved.
