Community Prayer Service marks Jubilee of Prisoners
By Allison Mosier12/15/2025
As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the faithful gathered on December 12 at St. James Parish in Erie for a Community Prayer Service marking the Jubilee of Prisoners. The evening created a sacred space for prayer, reflection and solidarity for prisoners, families affected by incarceration, those harmed by crime and violence and all who long for a justice system rooted in restoration and dignity.
The prayer service was organized by Deacon David Jacquel, a part-time prison chaplain for the Diocese of Erie who serves at two correctional facilities. Early in the Jubilee Year, Deacon Jacquel learned that the late Pope Francis had designated December 14, 2025, as the Jubilee of Prisoners. Recognizing both the pastoral need and the significance of this observance, he began planning a local response. The service was largely shaped by prayer resources from the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, which offered a model designed to center the voices and experiences of those impacted by incarceration.
The Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope, was woven throughout the evening. Inspired by a Jubilee-themed retreat for deacons and their wives led earlier this year by Father Luke Daghir, Deacon Jacquel reflected on the reality that prisoners themselves are pilgrims of hope—individuals living in confinement yet still seeking healing, conversion and a future marked by dignity. Content generously shared from that retreat also helped Deacon Jacquel develop a new prison-based program that he is now presenting at both facilities where he ministers.
“Prisoners are often forgotten, yet they remain our brothers and sisters—fellow children of God,” Deacon Jacquel said. “This Jubilee prayer service was an opportunity to bring awareness, prayer and hope to lives that are too often lived in silence.”
St. James hosted the gathering, reflecting Deacon Jacquel’s parish assignment and highlighting the role parishes play in responding to the needs of those on the margins. Those in attendance included parishioners and community members, some of whom are directly impacted by incarceration. Their presence reflected a reality often hidden by shame or silence: incarceration touches far more families than many realize. Nationally, one in two adults has a loved one who has spent time in prison, and in Pennsylvania alone, thousands of children are growing up with a parent behind bars.
Although St. James does not currently have a formal prison ministry, the parish continues to offer support in quiet and compassionate ways. Through the leadership of Pastor Father James McCormick and the parish food pantry, families receive confidential assistance. Awareness of Deacon Jacquel’s role as a prison chaplain has also prompted parishioners to seek guidance, ask questions and share concerns they may have previously carried alone.
Prayer intentions during the service lifted up those in prison, their families, victims of crime and the need for improvements within the justice system. Testimonials from incarcerated individuals across the country, including from SCI Albion, were shared, offering powerful reminders of the dignity and humanity that remain present even in confinement.
Central to the evening was a faith-rooted understanding of restorative justice—one that emphasizes healing and accountability over punishment alone. In this spirit, participants were encouraged to continue praying for prisoners and their families, to remember victims of crime and to engage in social justice efforts that promote humane treatment and restoration.
As the Jubilee Year draws to a close, the Community Prayer Service for the Jubilee of Prisoners served as a meaningful reminder of the church’s call to walk with all people, especially those who are often unseen. In lifting up prisoners as pilgrims of hope, the gathering affirmed a shared commitment to mercy, dignity and the enduring presence of God in every life.
View photos here.
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