Mothers behind bars
All are invited to a Sunshine Club event sponsored by Saint Philip’s Prison Ministry. Join parishioner Emily Lyons and others at 10:30am on Sunday, April 28, in La Paz to decorate and sign Mother’s Day cards for the women in Perryville State Prison.
Blank cards and art supplies will be available and all ages are strongly encouraged to participate!
Below is more information about the event and other ways you can help.
Why Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is an especially difficult time for women in prison, regardless of whether they are mothers themselves or what kind of relationship they have with their own mothers. Some inmates might receive cards or visits from family on this day, but for those who don’t, it’s a painful reminder of life events they have missed out on, and connections with loved ones that have been lost. You can learn more about how incarceration impacts mothers and families by clicking here.
What’s the Sunshine Club?
The Sunshine Club is a diocesen-wide program that sends birthday and holiday cards to inmates who have requested correspondence. Sending cards is a way to bring a bit of cheer and hope into inmates’ lives, and lets them know they are not forgotten. Getting involved with the Sunshine Club is a way for children, as well as adults, to participate in prison ministry.
How to participate
There are four ways you can help:
Decorate and sign a card at the event at 10:30am on Sunday, April 28.
Write a card at home and drop it off at the church office by Sunday, April 28, for Prison Ministry volunteers to mail. If you plan to write a card at home, read “What should I write?” and “What else do I need to know?” below.
The collection box will be in The Little Shop on Sundays and in the office reception area during the week.Donate stamps! If you have some standard-size forever stamps to spare, drop them off at the church office by Sunday, April 28.
Help with the event (setting up, supervising, and cleaning) on Sunday, April 28. Contact parishioner and volunteer Emily (email below) if you’re interested in volunteering.
What should I write?
Keep messages brief and positive. If you like, include an encouraging Bible verse or words from a favorite prayer. Because we don’t know whether card recipients are mothers themselves, or what kind of relationship they have with their own mothers, it’s best to keep your note general. Some suggested examples:
* Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers this Mother’s Day!
* Wishing you peace and hope this Mother’s Day!
* Hoping this card brings a smile to your face this Mother’s Day!
Sign with just your first name, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can sign “Your Friend at Saint Philip’s.” If you are writing a card at home, please stamp it and use Saint Philip’s address (4440 N. Campbell Avenue, 85718) as the return address. We will address your card after you drop it off.
What else do I need to know?
Mail sent to the prison must comply with Department of Corrections policies. If it doesn’t, then it will be rejected. If you are writing a card at home, be sure to observe the following:
Cards cannot have glitter, stickers, or other removable decorations on them.
Do not enclose anything with the card.
How can I get involved and support the Sunshine Club?
The great thing about the Sunshine Club is that everyone can participate—when it suits you. Visit the Sunshine Club’s page on the diocesen website to learn more.
To learn about other ways to get involved with Saint Philip’s Prison Ministry contact Emily Lyons at elyons@arizona.edu.