Prisoners' Week Scotland begins on Sunday with an ecumenical service at Letham St Mark's Church, Rannoch Road, Perth.

We pray for the those who minister to prisoners in the Archdiocese:

  • Fr Vasyl Kren (HMP Edinburgh, HMP Cornton Vale) .
  • Fr Marcin Motyka (HMP Addiewell).
  • Fr Dermot Morrin OP (HMP and YOI Polmont).
  • Canon Brian Gowans, President of the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care.

Fr Dermot Morrin OP, of St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy in Edinburgh and chaplain at HMP and YOI Polmont, will feature on New Every Sunday on BBC Scotland (7am) speaking on the theme of 'Changing our Ways'.

Barbara Dickson OBE, a parishioner at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh is patron of Prisoners' Week. The parish and Archbishop Cushley have signed the Prisoners Week Charter.

Prisoners' Week aims to highlight its vision "for a just and peaceful society where all people are cared for and supported, be they prisoners, the families of prisoners, those released from prison or the victims of crime.

"Through Prisoners' Week we want to encourage action and support, particularly among communities of faith, for all those affected by imprisonment."

A Prayer for Prisoners' Week

Lord, you offer freedom to all people.

We pray for those who are held in prison.

Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.

Support with your love: prisoners, their families and friends, prison staff,

chaplains 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, to love mercyand walk humbly together with Christ, in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day. Amen.

Prisoners' Week Scotland takes place from 19-25 November. Find out more at www.prisonersweek.org.uk