A Fresh Start : Prisoners' Sunday

A Fresh Start

With thanks to PACT for providing this article.

Pact, the national Catholic prisons charity works in many of the prisons, as well as in communities, in the diocese. Pact worked with Bishop Patrick, prison chaplains and Caritas Nottingham earlier this year to put together an inspiring Saturday event in Bulwell. Participants reported being especially moved by the idea of, for a prisoner or a member of their family, ‘carrying their dignity in trust for them until they can take it up again’. We are delighted that Bishop Patrick will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral on Prisoners’ Sunday at 10 am. Pact’s CEO, Andy Keen-Downs said, ‘How beautiful and how fitting that the needs of prisoners and their families in our communities will be brought before the Lord in the Cathedral as well as in parishes in the diocese’. Please look out for the Pact Advent Carol Service on 8th December at 7pm at Sacred Heart, Carlton too.  

A message from Cardinal Vincent Nichols: ‘As President of Pact, I invite you to join with me in supporting Prisoners’ Sunday on 9th October 2022. Pact is the major Catholic charity for the support of prisoners and their families, working in prisons across England and Wales. It is good to know that Pact is there for people of all faiths and none, supporting prisoners and their families on our behalf and with our help.’

Pact Prisoners’ Sunday information and resources: Marking Prisoners' Sunday | Prison Advice and Care Trust.  We posted out a Pact Prisoners’ Sunday pack to every parish in England & Wales.

Pact's CEO, Andy Keen-Downs explains, ‘Our work in prisons and communities across England & Wales ensures that prisoners, children and families are supported; and their dignity is respected and upheld.  Where appropriate we help families to make a fresh start together and live lives which bear good fruit. By supporting prisoners to be restored to the community, our work makes communities safer – research shows that prisoners who have good family relationships are 39% less likely to return to crime.’

On behalf of HMPPS, Pact operates the national Prisoners’ Families Helpline. Our dedicated team of caring staff and volunteers provide vital signposting, information and guidance seven days a week, helping with a wide range of concerns. We dealt with more than 36,000 calls in the last 12 months.  

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