On Prisoners’ Sunday the Catholic Church encourages everyone to reflect on and pray for prisoners and their families. This year, Prisoners' Sunday takes place on 8th October but you can mark the occasion on a day that suits your parish calendar.

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What is Prisoners’ Sunday?

Prisoners’ Sunday is a time to think about how we as individuals, as a Church and as communities are serving those affected by imprisonment. Prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families often find themselves on the margins of our society. Yet Jesus challenges us with His words:

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. 

Bishop Richard Moth, Catholic Liaison Bishop for Prisons, 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.

We 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 Prisoners' Sunday fundraising event. 

Find out more about Marking Prisoners' Sunday in your Church. 

How can I find out more?

Contact Theresa Alessandro, Catholic Community Engagement Manager at [email protected]

We hope that you will join us in marking this day. Thank you for your support.

Prisons Week 8 - 14 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.

The Prisons Week Prayer

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison.

Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.

Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.

Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime.

Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ, in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day.

Amen

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