The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) is spotlighting how COVID-19 has impacted those serving time in prison, as well as those who work in prison ministry.

In a release issued on the Conference's website, they refer to Matthew 25:35, where Jesus tells his disciples that to love and serve him, they should also be willing to love and serve those around them: “For I was...in prison and you visited me."

The Catholic Church in Florida has long been committed to working with those who are incarcerated, using the help of numerous volunteers to do so, the FCCB said in the release. But with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been a number of changes to the ways in which volunteers can help those behind bars because volunteers have not been allowed to visit prisons since mid-March.

“As of Aug. 12, the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) reports 12,988 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 and 70 inmates have died due to the coronavirus," the FCCB said. Additionally, "1,866 DOC staff members, including Secretary Mark Inch and Deputy Secretary Ricky Dixon, have also tested positive."

The FCCB has asked those who feel called to pray a prayer of solidarity during this time of pandemic for those who have been impacted by the virus. The prayer ends with a petition to God the Father.

“Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen,” the prayer said.

While bishops around the state have been concerned for the health and well-being of those who are behind bars without adequate access to hygiene and sanitary conditions, the Conference is hopeful of new allowances for those individuals.

“We look forward to the Florida legislature passing proposals in the 2021 session which would expand compassionate release for those who are ill and elderly in addition to allowing judges to downward depart from mandatory minimum sentences for low level, first time drug possession,” the FCCB said.

In order to get involved in local prison ministries, the Conference encourages individuals to contact their Diocese.