For Immediate Release: July 8, 2021
Contact: Katlyn Toelle at katlyn@catholicsmobilizing.org
Website: catholicsmobilizing.org Twitter: @CMNEndtheDP
(Washington, D.C.) Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) is proud to announce the launch of an expansive new resource, Paths of Renewed Encounter: A Restorative Justice Engagement Guide for Catholic Communities. The free-to-access digital toolkit offers practical guidance on how to implement restorative justice within the unique context of Catholic ministry.
“At CMN, we have observed a growing desire among Catholics to put restorative justice into practice, but many don’t know where to begin,” said CMN Executive Director Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy. “Paths of Renewed Encounter seeks to guide readers along a process of learning and discernment as they explore ways to integrate restorative approaches within their communities.”
The engagement guide is rich in related resources, including videos, prayers, handouts/worksheets, books/articles, reflection questions, and more.
Drawing from the wisdom of Catholic ministry leaders, restorative justice practitioners, and Pope Francis' prophetic encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, the engagement guide begins by highlighting the foundational concepts of restorative justice. It goes on to utilize the familiar pastoral cycle for social action to offer practical considerations for ways to integrate restorative practices within various Catholic contexts.
“Catholic ministries are uniquely suited for engagement with restorative justice,” said Vaillancourt Murphy. “We hope that Paths of Renewed Encounter will be a launchpad for many Catholic communities to begin shepherding processes that transform broken relationships, communities, and systems.”
Paths of Renewed Encounter will be made available in hard copy later this summer. (Members of the media may request a complimentary print copy of the resource by contacting Katlyn Toelle at katlyn@catholicsmobilizing.org)
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Catholic Mobilizing Network is a national organization that mobilizes Catholics and all people of goodwill to value life over death, to end the death penalty, to transform the U.S. criminal justice system from punitive to restorative, and to build capacity in U.S. society to engage in restorative practices.
CMN works in close collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and lives the Spirit of Unity of its sponsor, the Congregation of St. Joseph.
