Join us to gain valuable knowledge, skills, and experience to facilitate peacemaking circles in your Catholic parish, ministry, or community.
Event Details
Wednesday, July 27 - Saturday, July 30, 2022
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
5114 S. Elizabeth Street
Chicago, IL 60609
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 help bring healing for those 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.
This Circle Keeper Training is most suitable for individuals who have some existing familiarity with restorative justice, but have not yet been formally trained.
CMN aims to gather a group that is diverse in age, race, and experience. Individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color, under the age of 40, and/or directly impacted by crime and incarceration are encouraged to attend.
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 being used in Catholic spaces
- Acquire skills and resources for facilitating various types of peacemaking circles
- Discern and share opportunities to utilize restorative circles in 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, July 27 | 12 - 5 p.m.
- Thursday, July 28 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday, July 29 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday, July 30 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Application Process
CMN aims to gather a dynamic group of ministry leaders that is diverse and representative in age, race, geography, and experience. Please tell us about your desire to participate in the training through the application form below.
The priority deadline for applications has passed. However, if you are interested in attending, you are still welcome to complete the form.
Cost
This training is partially supported by the generosity of an anonymous foundation. A suggested donation of $250 to offset costs is appreciated. 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 faith formation guide, Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity: A Catholic Encounter with Restorative Justice; CMN's restorative justice engagement guide, Paths of Renewed Encounter: A Restorative Justice Engagement Guide for Catholic Communities; and The Little Book of Circle Process by Kay Pranis.
- Not Included: Lodging, transportation, and dinners
- 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 PBMR and the Facilitators
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.
Pamela Purdie works as the Restorative Justice Coordinator and Peace Circle Trainer at PBMR (Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation). She partners with community partners, schools, and organizations throughout Chicago to cultivate restorative approaches to address and prevent harm, conflict, and violence. Pamela also works as a restorative justice and peace circle trainer for NEA (National Education Association) in various states throughout the country. She is the recipient of several awards including the Balanced and Restorative Justice Award from the Cook County Juvenile Court in 2012, for her contributions to the advancement of Restorative Justice in Illinois. She continues to work with judges and lawyers to introduce RJ practices and alternative approaches to harm. As an educator, diversity trainer, Restorative Justice Coordinator and Circle Keeper, Mother, and elder, Pamela continues to empower those around her through creating safe spaces and building healthy relationships for individuals, institutions, and communities.
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. Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are also readily available. Some participants prefer to rent a car for their trip. Parking is available on site at PBMR.
Lodging: There are several hotels located about a half hour from PBMR. Additional lodging recommendations, including Airbnb and nearby religious communities, are also available.
Questions
For questions about this event please contact Caitlin Morneau, Director of Restorative Justice at caitlin@catholicsmobilizing.org or 202-541-5290.
