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Joliet Diocese Restorative Justice Committee
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to inform and educate people in the Joliet Diocese of the needs of those affected by crime and the Criminal Justice System and to work for systemic change. We challenge parishes and individuals to assist, minister to, and act to heal victims and their families, those incarcerated and their families, as well as the entire community.”
Vision Statement
“As heralds of the Good News of Jesus and grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, the Joliet Diocese Restorative Justice Committee, promotes justice, forgiveness and mercy. We affirm and celebrate the dignity of all people. We reach out to persons who are victims, incarcerated, ex-offenders, jail and prison staff, the families of all involved and to the community at large.”
Daring to break the wall of silence, we strive to make this a significant part of parish life by providing information and opportunities for service as we network and collaborate with parish, diocesan and other agencies.” In the spirit of restorative justice, we encourage a passion for ministering to all those affected by crime and incarceration as we work together for systemic change.”
Possible Goals and Objectives
Goal: to have Catholic parishes informed of the problems faced by victims of crime, offenders and their families, in the light of Catholic Social Teaching, resulting in the creation of a parish team that will create an atmosphere of welcoming for these groups in the parish and provide a Christian presence to them, and also to promote legislative advocacy for more just structures and practice in the penal system and society at large.
1. Need for education of pastors, deacons, teachers, catechists, seminarians, lay parish administrators, and parishioners on criminal justice issues. Invite CCW. (annual program would be part of this education piece).
2. Possibility of educating pastors, deacons, and seminarians (clergy) separately. Fr. Ray Lescher was mentioned as a possible speaker.
3. Need for resource materials for parishes, family members of the incarcerated, for victims and their families. Gather statistics,. Prepare starter kits for those released from penal institutions, develop prayer services, develop book discussion clubs and other non-religious groups inside the prison or jail.
4. Post Criminal Justice Issues/Restorative Justice issues and events on www.paxjoliet.org
5. Need of assistance to those incarcerated, to guards, and to jail and prison staff.
6. Need of assistance to victims, their families, to communities at large.
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