The IPS Restorative Justice Ministry Certificate is a week-long residential intensive that provides theological foundations and practical strategies for creating diocesan and parish-based Restorative Justice prison ministries in your area. This program is a collaboration between the IPS and Catholic Extension.  This opportunity is available to mission dioceses and mission parishes who are seeking to expand their current prison ministry or begin a new jail ministry program.

Participants will be able to:

•  Explore theological and legal backgrounds of restorative justice as well as develop ministerial skills for restorative justice practices and prison ministry.

• Encounter mental health professionals, and on-the-ground persons and organizations who work to educate and lift up the mind, body, and spirit of incarcerated individuals, their families, and victims of crime.

• Enhance their understanding of the social contexts as well as the mental, physical, and spiritual health needs of the community, especially of vulnerable communities.

• Be resourced to create restorative justice practices and ministries, which will more holistically respond to poverty, illness, injustice, punishment, and retribution with Mercy and Love.

The program is designed for those who have significant pastoral experience, but may have some or little formal training around prison ministries, restorative justice, and related issues. The program is open to any priest, religious, deacon, or lay person and is primarily (but not exclusively) intended for parish-based workers who serve impoverished populations. Special consideration will be given to parish-based workers who serve minority populations.

Restorative Justice 2023 will take place at Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus from October 8 to 13, 2023.

Space is limited, please apply before Monday, August 14, 2023. Click here for the promotional flyer. If you have any questions please contact Mirta Garcia at mgarcia29@luc.edu