Restorative Justice Week (#RJWeek), is a global celebration that invites us to join in and lift up the inspiring restorative justice work happening around the world. #RJWeek 2024 is commemorated this year on Nov. 17-23.

We’ve handpicked five opportunities for you to explore this week. Check them out to learn more about restorative justice, dive into restorative practices, and share this healing vision with your community.

#1

WATCH: Healing After Tragedy: Heather Thompson’s Restorative Justice Journey (3-minute video)

For years after her brother’s murder, Heather was consumed by anger — toward his killer, toward the legal system, and even toward God. Longing for some peace, she decided she needed to speak with the man who took her brother’s life. Through the restorative justice process that followed, Heather was amazed to find not just healing, but a newfound vocation.

Heather tells her story in this powerful mini-doc.

#2

LEARN: During #RJWeek, participate in an Intro to Restorative Justice Virtual Workshop

Join Catholic Mobilizing Network for a virtual 3.5-hour introductory workshop on restorative justice, to learn core concepts and practices related to its application in Catholic ministry. Through presentations, exercises, and sharing, participants:

• Learn more about the powerful potential of restorative justice to advance justice and healing, transform the U.S. criminal legal system, and to live out Catholic teachings on justice and mercy;
• Listen to stories of restorative practices being applied in Catholic ministry—a featured presenter will share a first-hand experience of a restorative justice process;
• Experience the restorative practice of circle process in a small group;
• Reflect on opportunities to apply restorative approaches in ministry, parishes, and daily life.

Our next workshop will take place this week on Thursday, November 21 from 12-3:30 p.m. ET. There are still spots remaining. Register to join us!

#3

LISTEN: Podcast Episode with Erica Washington — Building Alternatives to Incarceration

When Erica Washington was worn down from litigating death penalty cases, a local faith-based coalition introduced her to restorative justice diversion and her career trajectory shifted.

In this 30- minute episode, Erica explains how her team supports communities across the country as they create pre-charge alternatives to incarceration. She also takes us inside the experience of accompanying participants through a Restorative Community Conferencing process, to transform pain into purpose — for individuals, communities, and systems.

#4

PRAY: A Prayer to Share at a Holiday Meal

As the holiday season approaches, many of us enter into a space of gratitude. Many of us will also gather with family, friends, and loved ones. This prayer, a Litany for a More Expansive Gratitude, acknowledges both the beauty and the vulnerability of our human journey. It was written to be shared with those around you, and it invites us to consider our interconnectedness — a value at the heart of restorative practices.

Consider offering this prayer at the beginning of a meal you celebrate this season.

#5

DISCOVER: Conversations in Communion: Parish Dialogues for Connection and Understanding

Conversations in Communion is a formation program that equips Catholics to introduce the restorative practice of circle process in their parishes and ministries. Together, the facilitator guide and virtual training build capacity for deep listening, authentic encounters, and fuller participation in Catholic parish and ministry life.

The program’s facilitator guide — available to download for free or order in hard copy — is your introduction to the Conversations in Communion program. Exploring this guide can help you discern if this restorative model of dialogue can help bring connection and understanding to your parish, ministry, or community.