Prisons Week 15th November 2015

I am delighted that Prisons week 2015 will be launched in the Diocese at Choral Evensong on Sunday 15^th 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.