This opportunity is available to dioceses and parishes who are seeking to expand their current prison ministry or to begin a new jail ministry program. This scholarship program provides an educational opportunity for new and current leaders so that they may deepen and enhance their knowledge of restorative justice ministry.
The Restorative Justice Ministry Certification program is a week-long intensive that uses Loyola University and the City of Chicago as its classroom. This residential intensive provides theology and practical strategies for expanding or creating diocesan and parish-based Restorative Justice prison ministries in your area. Participants will encounter theology, legal practice, ministry, health services, 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 crimes. Participants will learn to better understand the social contexts as well as the mental, physical, and spiritual health needs of the community. Participants will be resourced to create restorative justice practice and ministries which replace poverty, illness, injustice, punishment, and retribution with the Mercy and Love of Christ.
This program is open to any priest, religious, deacon, or lay person who is interested in enhancing his/her knowledge in prison related ministries. If you have participated in the past, keep in mind that only new applicants are eligible to attend. We would encourage you to identify someone in your community who could apply. The program 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. This program will be available for Spanish or English speakers.
Total value of this Initiative for the Diocese per student: $7,150
This one-week intensive training and ongoing faculty support is available through Catholic Extension Society’s partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Participants will be offered the opportunity to receive an IPS Restorative Justice Ministry Certificate from Loyola University Chicago. Participants in the program will stay in the heart of Chicago—near the Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus.
| WHEN: | October 8-13, 2023 |
| WHERE: | Loyola University Chicago, Water Tower Campus |
| EXAMPLE COURSES: | Restorative Justice in Chicago & the United States Individual and Community Trauma & Mental Health Restorative Justice Practice, Ministry & Peace Circles Nonviolence, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, & Spiritual Health |
Program Information:
- Click here for an example of the schedule of the courses offered
- Click here to read the Restorative Justice Ministry Certification Memorandum
TO APPLY:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Erika Cedrone, Assistant Vice President of Mission, at 617-817-2907 or ecedrone@catholicextension.org