I am delighted that Prisons week 2015 will be launched in the
Diocese at Choral Evensong on Sunday 15th November in the Cathedral
at 4.00 pm.
Prisoners' Week began in England and Wales in 1975 and was
formed to encourage prayer within churches and the wider Christian community
for he needs of prisoners. This they did by producing each year a prayer and
information leaflet for use on the third Sunday in November, designated
Prisoners' Sunday, with the week observed until the following Saturday. It had
its beginnings as a Roman Catholic initiative by Bishop Victor Guazzelli, but
quickly gained ecumenical support and became an ecumenical observance,
receiving the patronage of: The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of
Westminster, the Archbishop of Wales and the Moderator of the Free Churches
Group.
Our preacher will be Janet Thomas, Janet was the Area
Director for Lancashire Probation Trust until the recent re-organisation of the
Probation Service, and the creation of the National Offender Management
Service. Janet is now the Divisional Lead for Public Protection for the
Northwest, covering all of the area from Cumbria to Cheshire.
As the Diocese with one of the largest number of prisons in our
borders we have been involved in supporting Prison Chaplains and those who are
involved in the Criminal Justice System for a number of years.
This service will give us the opportunity to hear from those
involved, staff and prisoners, and to give some time to reflect on their needs
and the needs of those who are affected by their actions; to take stock and
celebrate the unique ministry that is Prison Chaplaincy. Chaplaincy lies at the
heart of the prison system providing much needed pastoral care and support for
prisoners, staff and their families.
It is also an opportunity to thank God for all those who
volunteer in prison chaplaincy. We couldn't be as effective as we are without
the generous time and talents given by so many of our volunteers. Some support
our Sunday worship whilst others help run our courses. Others come in to prison
as ‘Official Prison Visitors' providing much needed company and support for
those prisoners who have no one to visit them.
Everyone needs those few words of encouragement. We grow
stronger, we see things more clearly, and we achieve more. Justice surely hopes
that there will be a sense of healing, a chance to see things differently, and
a new future for all those affected by crime and imprisonment. To achieve this
we need each other, and in particular we need each other's words of
encouragement. This Prisons Week let us pray for all those affected by prison,
that we may build a sense of hope in each other that life will in some measure
be restored
This will be a wonderful, joyous and uplifting occasion and
we do hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us. If you are not
able to join us then will you please pray for us using the Prison Week Prayer,
and the leaflet attached?
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 activities
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.
