drawing of Rita Chairez by J Michael Walker
Posted Nov 04 2022 |

Every year on All Souls Day, each of us carry in our hearts loved ones whose lives and memories we cherish. My own heart aches to have recently lost a dear friend, community leader and Dolores Mission ministry colleague, Rita Chairez.

In 2019, Abp. Fiorenza, Karen Clifton and Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ were honored at CMN's 10th Anniversary event. Pictured here with their awards as well as Apostolic Nuncio, Abp. Christophe Pierre and Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of CMN.
Posted Sep 27 2022 |

Last week, this world lost a gentle, pastoral giant. The wide rippling effects of his daily words and actions were a major influence in our country for many years.

metal statue of an angel holding a candle with a lit flame
Posted Aug 19 2022 |

The death penalty doesn't heal or repair what has been broken; it only continues cycles of harm and violence.

Posted Feb 25 2022 |

A defense attorney and victim outreach specialist bring restorative justice to one of the most unlikely places: a death penalty case at the U.S. Supreme Court.

painting of abstract circles in four quadrants
Posted Feb 04 2022 |

The Synod on Synodality is fundamentally a process of healing and deep listening — not unlike restorative justice.

Hands linked in prayer
Posted Jan 13 2022 |

These grieving parents found new meaning in the Lord's Prayer and its call to forgiveness.

Red Cloud Indian School
Posted Nov 23 2021 |

The Catholic Church, in particular, has to play a part in addressing this trauma of the past.

Barbed wire fence in front of blue and pink sky
Posted Oct 06 2021 |

In 2008, my older brother Andrew was sentenced to 62 years in prison. But one thing I never had to fear was that his life would be taken by the state in response.

prison bars
Posted Jul 28 2021 |

A Catholic sister recalls her visits with Michael Ross before he was put to death in Connecticut's last-ever execution.

The faces of Carlos DeLuna and Carlos Hernandez, side by side
Posted Jul 13 2021 |

"The Phantom" is a new documentary calling into question the aims and ends of our capital punishment system.

Demonstrators protest the death penalty on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court
Posted Jun 29 2021 |

A 1972 Supreme Court case temporarily eradicated the U.S. death penalty. Now it's time to end it for good.

Young Chris Smith, SJ, with his grandparents; his grandfather, Clarence, was Florence’s son.
Posted Apr 17 2021 |

The great-grandson of a murder victim reflects on his great-grandmother's quiet holiness and mercy.

Green plant peeking behind white fence
Posted Jan 08 2021 |

Writing to those in prison is a way to bring healing to places of isolation and loneliness.

Posted Nov 23 2020 |

After participating in CMN's Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity Conference, Ruth Cunnings finds herself imagining restorative justice as a beautiful stained glass window.

Posted Nov 16 2020 |

After accompanying William LeCroy to his death on Sept. 22, Sr. Barbara Battista reflects on Christ's call to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Posted Nov 04 2020 |

An in-prison educational program fosters transformational relationships.

Posted Sep 28 2020 |

The federal government's resumption of executions — led by Attorney General William Barr — runs counter to the Gospel of Life.

Posted Aug 24 2020 |

Catholic sisters in Terre Haute, Indiana respond to the restart of federal executions with faith and action.

Taper candle casting glow on person and paper program at a prayer vigil.
Posted Jul 15 2020 |

If God leaves the door of redemption open to all of us, who are we to close it?

Posted Jul 07 2020 |

"I was eleven years old when my dad was shot and killed during the robbery of our family business."