Across England and Wales, Catholics will be marking Prisoner Sunday on 11 October.

It is a dedicated day of prayer for those in prison and their families and is an invitation for Catholics to respond with compassion, prayer and practical support. The date also marks the start of the ecumenical Prisoners Week.

The charity Pact are trying to help bridge the gap for those in prison and being integrated back into regular society. Too many people leave prison with no home, no income and no support.

Just in the last year, they supported over 485,000 prison visits, including nearly 100,000 for children and young people and awarded almost 600 emergency grants to families in crisis.

This year, they are asking people to pray, act and give. They have prepared some bidding prayers which you can use in your parish for the day.

In his capacity as President of Pact, Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, said: “As President of Pact, the national Catholic charity for people in prison and their families, I invite you to join with me in supporting this year’s Prisoners’ Sunday, on 11th October.  

“Pact supports people throughout England and Wales, whatever their beliefs.  

“Pact’s work is varied and includes care for children whose parents have been sent to prison, as well as offering practical assistance to people leaving prison, who are trying to make a fresh start and put their past behind them.”

For more information on how you can mark Prisoner Sunday, visit: Prisoners’ Sunday – National Day of Prayer & Support | Pact