CMN is pleased to partner with Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) to offer this four-day, in-person training. It is ideal for Catholic leaders who wish to facilitate restorative circles in their parishes, ministries, and communities.
Sitting and sharing in a circle is a foundational restorative practice that helps strengthen relationships, foster belonging, or hold difficult conversations. Restorative circles (also called circle process or peacemaking circles) can be utilized to support community building, reintegration, and healing for those impacted by trauma, harm, and conflict. Receiving adequate training is important for creating safe and inclusive spaces, especially in cases of harm.
At the end of the training, participants will:
- Have new skills to convene and facilitate community-building circles and co-facilitate alongside more experienced circle keepers
- Know about the spiritual and practical roots of restorative circles, and how they relate to restorative justice and Catholic social teaching
- Have discerned opportunities to utilize restorative circles in parishes, ministries, and communities
Event Details
When: Wednesday, July 12 - Saturday, July 15, 2023
Where: Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Chicago, IL
Cost
A suggested donation of $250 to offset costs is appreciated. This training is partially supported by the generosity of an anonymous foundation and typically valued at $500 per person.
- Included: In-depth training. Simple breakfast and lunch each day. Supporting books and materials.
- Not Included: Lodging, transportation, and dinners. (CMN can provide a list of recommended lodging options.)
Application Process
Please tell us about your desire to participate in the training through the application form below.
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 especially encouraged to apply.
Space is limited. The priority deadline for applications is Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Apply now if you:
- Are looking for more engagement and experience with restorative justice practices in Catholic ministries
- Recently participated in one of CMN's Intro to Restorative Justice workshops, and are looking to gain facilitation skills
- If you haven't already attended an Intro workshop, learn more here
- Have pastoral experience and/or skills in accompaniment and deep listening, or the desire to engage in such ministries
For questions about this event please contact Lucie Martinot-Lagarde at lucie@catholicsmobilizing.org.
About the Trainers
Sr. Janet Ryan, OSF is a Franciscan sister of Clinton, Iowa and is originally from Boston. She has been ministering at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) since 2014. She assists adults in earning their high school diploma, offers peace circles in the community and circle trainings at PBMR. Janet has a Communications degree from UConn and a Master's in Pastoral Ministry from St. John's Seminary in Boston. She is passionate about living and promoting Nonviolence and Restorative Justice.
Pamela Purdie works as the Restorative Justice Coordinator and Peace Circle Trainer at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR). Pamela is also a restorative justice and peace circle trainer for NEA (National Education Association) and works with judges and lawyers to introduce RJ practices and alternative approaches to harm. As an educator, diversity trainer, 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.
Testimonies from Past Participants
“Circle training renewed in me my belief in the power of relationship in creating healthy, supportive spaces of community. I experienced again how Circles can be opportunities for deepening trust among persons with differing perspectives and for new seeing to flourish. Circle training strengthened my desire and ability to initiate a new way of engaging others in discernment.”
“After many years in ministry I often don’t expect much when I go through trainings, but this circle process training was incredibly helpful and personally intense.”
Read more about past Circle Keeper trainings here.
Questions
For questions about this event please contact Lucie Martinot-Lagarde at lucie@catholicsmobilizing.org.
