In prison

Have you ever considered writing to someone in prison, but you don't know where to start?

Download and share these graphics to voice your support for those facing COVID-19 in U.S. prisons, jails, and detention centers, and encourage others to sign on to the Statement of Solidarity: A Catholic Response to COVID-19 Behind Bars.

Together, we can advocate for responses to the pandemic that honor the dignity of our incarcerated brothers and sisters. 

This one-page handout gives an introductory overview of restorative justice and ways that practices can be applied in various settings.

Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Bryan Stevenson, the film Just Mercy presents the stunning true story of Walter McMillian, a black man convicted and sentenced to death in Alabama in 1988 for a crime he did not commit. The film illustrates the structural racism endemic to our capital punishment system, and lays bare how this system devalues and cheapens all human life.

This prayer card is a short, simple reminder of how deep the harm of crime reaches. Join us as we pray for all those affected by crime.  

Take part in a new prayer initiative created by Eric Williams, a current Texas death row inmate. Every Friday Evening at 8:00 PM Central, death row inmates around the nation are invited to pray the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary "in unity of purpose for an end to the death penalty, the intentions of those inmates currently on death row, and overall prison reform."

Download this letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and learn how all people of goodwill are called to address the evil of racism. As you read, contemplate how the most egregious example of our broken criminal justice system - the death penalty - reflects the racial discrimination and bias we are called as Catholics to dismantle.