Pact - working with prisoners and their families

Prisoner's family on a visit. The children haven't seen Dad for 5 months. Image: Andy Aitchison.

Source: Pact

I was in prison and you visited me. Pope Francis not only visited prisoners in Civitavecchia prison but he did so on Maundy Thursday. He washed and kissed their feet, bearing witness to their dignity and humanity. We can only imagine how those prisoners felt to receive Pope Francis' compassionate attention on such an important day in the church's calendar.

In England & Wales Pact, the Catholic prisons charity, works to support prisoners and their families to live lives that bear good fruit. We are encouraged by the commitment of many in our Catholic communities who already give compassionate attention to people affected by the criminal justice system.

Pact is offering a series of JustPeople Diocesan Roadshows across England & Wales. At each event we will gather parishioners, prison chaplains and visitors, Caritas, the Welcome Directory and other partners, together with Pact staff and volunteers working in the diocese. Pact's CEO Andy Keen-Downs will be there and whenever possible we hope the diocesan bishop will be with us too. Join us to reflect on relevant elements of Catholic Social Teaching and listen to those among us who have lived experience of the criminal justice system. Hear from Pact staff in the diocese about the work we are doing where you are. We will tell you about some of the ways parishes and individuals can help. Those who support prisoners and their families often report getting so much more back than they ever expected.

'Pact is like a little light. They give you hope.'

In the next few weeks there are Pact events in the dioceses of Leeds, Nottingham and Southwark and more are planned. Come and meet us!

Of course, if you are interested in helping prisoners and their families, there is no need to wait for an event in your area. We would be delighted to hear from you today.

LINKS

JustPeople Roadshows: 'I was in prison...' - www.prisonadvice.org.uk/justpeople-roadshows

| Prison Advice and Care Trust - www.prisonadvice.org.uk/donate/donate-now