In CMN's Circle Keeper Training with Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and experience to facilitate peacemaking circles in their parishes, ministries, and communities.
Event Details
Wednesday, Oct.13 - Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
5114 S. Elizabeth St.
Chicago, IL 60609
Cost and Registration
This training is partially supported by the generosity of an anonymous foundation. A suggested donation of $300 is appreciated to offset costs. If you wish to contribute a different amount, please contact Caitlin Morneau at the email below.
- Included: In-depth training typically valued at $500. Simple breakfast and lunch each day. Supporting materials including CMN's book Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity: A Catholic Encounter with Restorative Justice and The Little Book of Circle Process by Kay Pranis.
- Not Included: Lodging, transportation, or dinners. (See below for travel and lodging recommendations.)
Cancellation Policy: If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to the event in order to receive a full refund.
About the Training
CMN is pleased to partner with Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) to offer this four-day training, ideal for Catholic leaders who wish to facilitate restorative circles in their parishes, ministries, and communities.
Peacemaking circles are a foundational restorative practice that can bring about healing among people and relationships impacted by crime and conflict. They can also be useful processes for community building, trauma healing, and reintegration.
Peacemaking circles are transformative in their simplicity, but a foundation of knowledge and skill is important for creating safe and inclusive spaces, especially in cases of harm.
While the training is open to anyone, this experience is most suitable for individuals who have not been previously trained in circlekeeping. CMN aims to gather a group that is diverse in age, race, and experience. Individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, under the age of 40, and/or directly impacted by crime and incarceration are encouraged to register.
In this four-day training, participants will:
- Learn the spiritual and practical roots of restorative justice and peacemaking circles
- Hear stories and examples of restorative practices as they are used in a Catholic context
- Acquire skills and resources for facilitating various types of peacemaking circles
- Discern and share opportunities to utilize restorative circles in their dioceses, parishes, and communities
We ask participants to commit to all four days of the training. The schedule for each day is as follows:
- Wednesday, Oct. 13 | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 14 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 15 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 16 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
About PBMR and the Facilitator
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) creates a place for those who have been impacted by violence and conflict. PBMR reaches out to the one who has been harmed, to the one who has done harm, and to the community. They also strive to be a resource to other groups and communities who seek reconciliation.
Fr. David Kelly has worked for Kolbe House at Assumption, a parish-based jail ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, since 1985. For more than 30 years, he has worked as a chaplain in Cook County Jail and Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, and has experience working in jails/prisons in Ohio and Florida. Fr. David received his B.S. in Biochemistry from St. Joseph’s College, a Masters of Divinity, Masters of Arts in Cross Cultural Studies, and a Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min) from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His doctoral thesis is entitled Responding to Violence among Urban Youth: a Restorative Approach. He has been trained and certified as a mediator from DePaul University, as well as in the restorative practice of Peacemaking Circles. He has published articles and spoken on reconciliation, restorative justice, and jail/detention ministry.
Travel and Lodging
Air Travel: For those flying in from out of town, Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is recommended as it is significantly closer to PBMR than Chicago O'Hare.
Ground Transit to PBMR: From Midway Airport, take the Orange line to the Kedzie stop. The 51st Street bus (toward 47th St L) stops right outside of PBMR. Uber and Lyft both operate in Chicago.
Lodging: Suggested hotels with cost and transit information can be viewed here.
Questions
For questions about this event please contact Caitlin Morneau, Director of Restorative Justice at caitlin@catholicsmobilizing.org or 202-541-5290.
