Andy Drozdziak
Pact, supported by Liaison Bishop for Prisons Richard Moth, is inviting parishes across England and Wales to support prisoners and their families on Prisoners Sunday.
Pact said: “The support of Catholic parishes has been and continues to be invaluable.” Pact is the national Catholic charity supporting prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. Pact works in more than 60 prisons, in courts, and in communities across England and Wales.
Prisoners Sunday will take place this year on 8th October. With more than 85,000 people in prison across England and Wales today, an estimated 97,000 children will spend their summer holidays with a parent in prison. This Prisoners’ Sunday, Pact is urging every parish to consider how they can make a difference.
Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs said: “On my visits to prisons, I hear first-hand that for many prisoners, access to training, regular visits from family, mental health and spiritual support are limited by staff shortages. These are elements of the prison regime that help people cope with life inside and prepare for making that fresh start when they leave.
“We appreciate that these are challenging times financially for many families, especially those who have a loved one in prison. Any support you can offer this Prisoners’ Sunday will make a huge difference to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.”
In September, every Catholic parish will receive a Prisoners’ Sunday pack, which will include a poster, bidding prayers, and a message from Pact President Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Pact is also encouraging parishes across England and Wales to hold a second collection on 8th October. Pact said that the funds collected ‘will help to do more in the year ahead to support women and men in prison and their children and families.’
Andy Keen-Downs explained how Pact is helping prisoners to ‘start life again’.
“This year – with your help – Pact will enable hundreds of men and women to start life again after a custodial sentence. And during a sentence, when things get very dark, and people lose hope, we are there inside the prisons, alongside hard-working prison officers, nurses, chaplains, providing hope and practical support to enable people to cope,” he said.
For further information, visit www.prisonadvice.org.uk/prisoners-sunday