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For nearly fifty years now, Prisons Week (9 - 15 October) has provided an important focus for Christian communities to pray for the needs of all those affected by prison: prisoners and their families, victims of crime, those working in the criminal justice system, and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons.

Prisons Week raises awareness and generates prayer. It motivates volunteers to step forward and give their time and gifts, in prisons and in their own communities. It provides an annual focus and reason for Christians to work together, building capacity and motivation to make a difference for people who are out of sight and often out of mind.

Prisoners’ Sunday on 9 October is a national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants 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:

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"I was in prison and you came to see me." Matthew 25:36

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Bishop Richard will celebrate Mass for Prisoners’ Sunday at Arundel Cathedral on Sunday 9 October at 11.15am. Bishop Richard warmly invites those with lived experience of the criminal justice system to join him for Mass. Please note that Prisoners’ Sunday may also be celebrated in parishes, and that Bishop Richard understands that some may wish to be present in their own parish for this occasion.

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The Prison Advice and Care Trust, known as PACT, is now engaged with work with prisoners’ families at HMP Lewes within our Diocese. Pact invites you to join them at a JustPeople Workshop taking place at St. Pancras Catholic Church, Lewes, on Saturday 12 November, 11am - 5pm.  Free to attend,  the workshop offers an opportunity to reflect upon Scripture, Church Teaching and Catholic Social Teaching through the lens of people affected by imprisonment. JustPeople Workshop | Prison Advice and Care Trust. For more information, contact Marie E: marie.norbury@prisonadvice.org.uk or T: 07581 194907