Prison chaplaincy, established by the bishops and present in every prison facility in the country, is being highlighted on Caring Sunday this year.  Catholic parishioners in many New Zealand dioceses are being asked by their bishops to consider donating $10, $20 or more to support the work of Catholic prison chaplains and help rehabilitation of prisoners.  Parishioners in Auckland will get appeal letters in which Bishop Patrick Dunn explains the role of prison chaplaincy and why ministry to prisoners is important for the Christian community.  While it is true that prisoners need to pay their debt to society, this does not mean they should be forever ostracised.  Bishop Patrick acknowledges in his letter to parishioners how hard it is to reach out to prisoners and “show the compassionate face of Christ”, adding that victims also deserve compassion.  But no-one is beyond redemption, Bishop Dunn wrote.Bishop Patrick also refers to the successful “Seasons for Growth” programme, based on the charism of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, which helps prisoners accept the reality of what has happened, acknowledge the pain of grief, adjust to the new environment and have a positive hope for the future.  The aim of the Caring Sunday appeal is to enable more prisoners to go through this programme.If you would like to support this appeal by making a donation online, please click here.  Please click here to view the 5 minute Caring Sunday DVD featuring Bishop Patrick Dunn, 3 Prison Chaplains and the Seasons for Growth Auckland Co-ordinator.