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What is Prisoners' Sunday?
Prisoners’ Sunday is an opportunity to think about how we as individuals, as a Church, and as communities are serving our brothers and sisters affected by imprisonment.
Prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families can find themselves on the margins of our society. Yet Jesus challenges us: “I was in prison and you came to me…”
Our work at Pact draws on the values of our faith: dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity. We believe that everyone can make a fresh start whatever they may have done.
We respectfully invite you to hold a second collection for the work we do at of Pact to support women and men in prison and their families.
This year, Prisoners' Sunday takes place on 8 October but you can mark the occasion on a day that suits your parish calendar.
Video: "I didn't want to say what I'm thinking..." - Lewis Gibson (former prisoner)
“I was in prison and you came to me”
Prisoners' Sunday pack
Our Prisoners' Sunday Pack is posted to every parish in mid-September.
In the pack, you will find:
- a message from our president Cardinal Nichols and Catholic Liaison Bishop for Prisons Richard Moth, encouraging support for Prisoners' Sunday
- a poster for your parish noticeboard
- bidding prayers
- gift aid envelopes and details of where to send financial contributions
Ways to support Prisoners’ Sunday
More resources and ideas
We hope Prisoners’ Sunday will inspire your parish to find out more about the work we do at Pact and how you can help.
Prisoners' Sunday message for your parish newsletter
Prisoners' Sunday - 13 October. We will remember prisoners and their families at Mass this weekend. There will be a speaker to share with us what life is like for prisoners and their families in our communities and about the work of Pact, the national Catholic prison charity. There will be a second collection to support Pact's important work in the year ahead.
Bidding prayers
God of mercy, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison and for their children and families. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. May your love overcome struggle and heartache and bring new life.
Lord God, we commend to you all who work or volunteer, in courts, prisons and communities. May they know your presence with them as they work and may their efforts inspire us to share your love ever more widely.
Poster downloads
Prisoners' Sunday parish poster
Social media
Look out for @PactFaithAction Facebook and Twitter posts and share them!
Prisons Week 13 - 19 October
Prisoners’ Sunday marks the first day of the ecumenical Prisons Week, a dedicated week of prayer across our Christian communities.
Prisons Week was founded by Bishop Victor Guazzelli in 1975. Since then, the Prisons Week group has prepared resources to enable the Christian community to pray for the needs of all those affected by imprisonment.