Conference Agenda
Explore the topics and speakers from each day or view the full schedule using the buttons below.
Pre-Conference Immersion: A Journey Through Atlanta’s Legacy of Justice & Faith
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park
Click to view Description and Facilitators
The Archdiocese of Atlanta hosts a witness of Atlanta’s past and present work toward justice and unity, illuminating the conference theme “Tangible Signs of Hope”.
Pre-Conference will include:
- Bus transportation to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park with visits to The King Center, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
- Lunch and “Conversations in the Spirit” at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Atlanta’s first African American Catholic parish, located across from The King Center
- Ecumenical Prayer Service, with Rev. John Vaughn (Executive Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church) and the Our Lady of Lourdes Music Ministry
This immersion experience will be facilitated by Jayna Hoffacker (Director of Restorative Justice Ministry, Archdiocese of Atlanta) and Mr. Ashley Morris (Director of Black Catholic Affairs, Archdiocese of Atlanta). It is made possible through the generosity of co-sponsoring parishes St. Anthony of Padua and Most Blessed Sacrament.
Pre-Conference Logistics:
Transportation: Registration is required. A bus will depart Emory University Campus at 10 a.m. and return by 2:30 p.m. All sites are located close to each other, with only a limited amount of walking required.
Meals: Lunch is included.
Facilitators
Jayna Hoffacker, M.A.
Restorative Justice Ministry, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Ashley Morris, Th.M
Office of Intercultural Ministries, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Check-in Opens
3 p.m. | White Hall Atrium
Visit with our exhibitors as you arrive.
PLENARY Pilgrims of Hope: Beginning the Journey Together
4-5:45 p.m. | White Hall 208
Click to view Description and Speakers
In this Jubilee Year of 2025, we gather in Atlanta as pilgrims of hope, drawn by a shared Gospel call to justice, healing, and restoration. This opening plenary offers a space of welcome and grounding — an invitation to arrive fully, to listen deeply, rooted in Christ and community. We begin with conversation about the needs and possibilities before us, inspired by stories from individuals whose faithful “yes” to the work of restoration reflects God’s promise to “bind up the broken-hearted and proclaim liberty to the captives.”
Speakers
Fr. Dustin Feddon
Joseph House, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Hon. Janine Geske
Ret. Supreme Court of Wisconsin, Marquette University Andrew Center for Restorative Justice
Andra’ Robinson
Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University
Patricia Wright
Student, Marquette University
Break
5:45-6:30 p.m.
Shuttles available to Miller-Ward Alumni House
Opening Mass
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Miller-Ward Alumni House
Celebrant
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv.
Archdiocese of Atlanta
A Spirit of Welcome: Opening Reception
7:30-8:30 p.m. | Miller-Ward Alumni House
Join us for fellowship, refreshments, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Parking available onsite at the Miller-Ward Alumni House, 815 Houston Mill Rd. Shuttles available to Emory Conference Center Hotel.
Light Breakfast Available
8:30-9 a.m. | White Hall Atrium
Visit with our exhibitors.
PLENARY Tangible Signs: Finding Light Beyond Darkness
9-10:30 a.m. | White Hall 208
Click to view Description and Speakers
Amid systems marked by violence and dehumanization, the Gospel calls us to recognize the light beyond the shadows in our work for justice and healing. This plenary will survey the landscape of suffering caused by crime, incarceration, and the death penalty through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Testimonies and analysis from local and national leaders will show how the Church can offer hope in communities most impacted by harm and systemic injustice.
Speakers
Dr. Margaret R. Pfeil
Institute for Social Concerns, University of Notre Dame
Tiffany Roberts
Public Policy Unit, Southern Center for Human Rights
Felix Rosado
Let’s Circle Up
Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, M.T.S. (moderator)
Catholic Mobilizing Network
Break
10:30-10:45
Visit with our exhibitors.
BREAKOUTS Workshops
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | White Hall Classrooms
Resurrection People: Parish-Based Restorative Reintegration — White Hall 110
Rev. Dexter Kearny, Mark McCombs, & Dave McNaughton
What happens when churches build relationships with individuals behind bars? In recent years, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Catholic Parish in Chicago partnered with One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP) and Kolbe House Jail ministry to accompany individuals returning from prison in their restoration with the community. OPOP responds to the call to create pathways of hope through accompaniment and connection. This healing practice entails welcoming the stranger, writing prison letters (like much of our New Testament), building covenant relationships, and contemplative prayer. This parish team also utilized the restorative practice of circle process to facilitate formation, listening, and connection along the way. Come to hear their story and learn how to draw closer to the tombs of America’s mass incarceration system — rolling away the barriers to reentry that keep millions of Americans shut out of our communities.
United by Faith, Driven by Justice: Anti-Death Penalty Wins in Georgia — White Hall 111
Jayna Hoffacker & Joia Thornton
In 2025, a multi-faith coalition in Georgia successfully passed HB 123, which changed the standard of proof for intellectual disability in capital cases. Its near unanimous passing out of committee reflected the importance of ecumenical and interfaith collaboration in advocating for human dignity in the criminal legal system. In this workshop, participants will gain practical insight into the why, how, what, and when of legislative advocacy and grassroots lobbying, learning how faith-rooted leadership can influence decision-makers and drive meaningful change. Beyond strategy, the workshop emphasizes the deeper moral and spiritual dimensions of public policy, highlighting how faith traditions provide both vision and accountability in advancing justice. Together, we will reflect on the power of bearing witness to challenge systems of harm and inspire more humane, anti-death penalty policies. Designed as a hands-on learning lab, this session will leave with both practical tools and renewed conviction, ready to expand the role of faith in the pursuit of justice!
Lessons Learned in 15 Years: Two Families Restorative Justice Journey — White Hall 206
Kate & Dcn. Andy Grosmaire, Michael & Julie McBride
In March of 2010, a tragic event impacted two sets of parents when Ann Grosmaire was shot and killed by her boyfriend Conor. Unsatisfied by the status quo of legal proceedings, the Grosmaire and McBride parents successfully advocated for restorative justice to shape the plea agreement in Tallahassee, Florida, where the process was little known and had never been used in a capital crime. Through faith, reconciliation, and community engagement, these parents have worked diligently to bring something positive out of the death of one couple’s daughter at the hands of the other’s son. Hear their story and how these parents worked in the years since, together and apart, to use their exposure to restorative justice for the benefit of the community and social justice nationwide.
Restorative Practices Inside Prisons: Individual and Cultural Transformation — White Hall 207
Felix Rosado & Sr. Janet Ryan, OSF
In this workshop, two practitioners will detail how restorative justice education and training impacted incarcerated individuals and correctional staff. In 2007, while incarcerated at Graterford State Prison (Philadelphia, PA), Felix Rosado co-founded Let’s Circle Up (LCU) to create a culture of connection through restorative justice education and practice rooted in community, healing, and real accountability. LCU’s RJ education workshops have been adapted for a variety of formats and settings both inside and outside of prison. In 2023, Sr. Janet Ryan helped expand Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation’s prison ministry to address the violence, trauma, and isolation inherent in carceral institutions, providing tools and skills for peer facilitating circle process inside, and expanding these trainings to corrections and security staff. Join Felix and Sr. Janet for an interactive session sharing their journeys, lessons learned along the way, and a few tools to take with you.
Lunch (provided)
12-1 p.m. | Cannon/Candler Courtyard
Visit with our exhibitors.
PLENARY When Justice and Mercy Meet: Restorative Justice, Racial Equity, and the Work of Reconciliation (livestremed)
1-2:15 p.m. | White Hall 208
Click to watch the livestream recording!
Transformation of the U.S. criminal legal system requires us to prioritize safety, responsibility, and healing for all who are impacted by crime and incarceration, including victims and communities. Co-sponsored by the Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, this dialogue will feature the life-giving and innovative work of four people of faith who are reshaping how justice is understood and practiced as facilitators, journalists, and legal system actors. Together, they will discuss how restorative justice—rooted in mercy, truth, and racial equity—can create conditions for solidarity, subsidiarity, and human flourishing in communities and systems.
Speakers
Elizabeth Bruenig
The Atlantic
Travis Claybrooks
Raphah Institute
Sr. Donna Liette C.PP.S.
Ret. Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
Hon. Harold Melton
Fmr. Supreme Court of Georgia
Kimberly Mazyck (moderator)
Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University
Break
2:15-2:30
Visit with our exhibitors.
BREAKOUTS By the Working of the Holy Spirit: Theological Reflection and Integration
2:30-3:30 p.m. | White Hall Classrooms
After several sessions of content and information sharing, this breakout invites participants to pause, pray, and dialogue about what we’ve heard so far. Guided by experienced practical theologians, we will integrate new learnings with our own experiences and faith journeys, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our next steps and deepened commitment to healing, justice, and transformation.
Click to view room assignments.
Amy Levad — White Hall 101
Sheila McMahon — White Hall 110
Elizabeth Bounds — White Hall 111
Dr. Amelia Uelmen — White Hall 206
Emilio Russ Bermejo — White Hall 207
PLENARY Perseverance in Action: Diversion and Community Alternatives in DeKalb County
3:45-5 p.m. | White Hall 208
Click to view Description and Speakers
Creative collaborations between system actors, community organizations, and faith leaders are reshaping justice in DeKalb County, Georgia. This plenary offers an inspiring case study of the county’s Diversion and Community Alternatives Program, which provides pathways to accountability and restoration outside the traditional court process. Panelists will reflect on patient perseverance, purposeful relationship building, and valuable lessons learned in disrupting cycles of incarceration with community-rooted solutions.
Speakers
Doug Ammar
Georgia Justice Project
Lisa Moultrie
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston’s Office
Spencer A. Murray, DMin
Georgia Justice Project
Caitlin Morneau, M.A. (moderator)
Catholic Mobilizing Network
John Swanson Artwork Tour
5:15-6:00 p.m. (Optional)
Join Alice Cameron for a tour of select pieces of Candler School of Theology’s impressive John August Swanson Collection.
Light Breakfast Available
8:30-9 a.m. | White Hall Atrium
Visit with our exhibitors.
PLENARY Enabling New Beginnings: A Conversation with Legal System Actors
9-10:15 a.m. | White Hall 208
Click to view Description and Speakers
This plenary brings together legal system actors who are working from within to create opportunities for restorative justice and healing. Panelists will share about their efforts to build community trust, support relational accountability, and open windows of hope for those impacted by crime and incarceration. They will reflect on how their work fosters dignity, restoration, and renewed life.
Speakers
Jeanne Bishop
Attorney, Author, and Advocate
Mike Butler
Ret. Public Safety in Longmont, Colorado
Brenda Glass, MSSA, LISW-S
Brenda Glass Multipurpose Trauma Center
Sheriff Walt McNeil
Leon County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office
Fr. Daniel Griffith (moderator)
Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing, University of St. Thomas School of Law
Break
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Visit with our exhibitors.
BREAKOUTS Grounded in Grace: Affinity Group Process
10:30 a.m-12 p.m. | White Hall Classrooms
Recognizing the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit at work among us, participants will gather in affinity groups by ministry or work area — faith leaders, community organizations, and system actors. Facilitated by committed peers, these sessions provide space to share challenges, raise questions, and nurture opportunities inspired by the conference, fostering connection and collaboration.
Click to view room assignments.
Faith Leaders — White Hall 101
Facilitated by: Fr. Larry Dowling, Imelda Richárd, & Sr. Janet Ryan, OSF
Community-Based Organizations — White Hall 110
Facilitated by: Bill Casey & Kimiko Lighty
System Actors & Partners — White Hall 111
Facilitated by: Judge Thomas More Donelly & Mark Osler
Lunch (provided)
12-1 p.m. | Cannon/Candler Courtyard
PLENARY Renewed in Hope: A Collective Process to Look to the Future
1-2:30 p.m. | Cannon Chapel
Click to view Description and Speakers
We’ll close our time together with courage and creativity, in a synodal process designed to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire action. Using a dynamic participatory format, this session invites every voice into the room to name what matters most for the path ahead. Come ready to be surprised, energized, and equipped with fresh takeaways and renewed hope to carry the work of restorative justice forward.
Facilitators
Lucie Martinot-Lagarde
Catholic Mobilizing Network
Caitlin Morneau
Catholic Mobilizing Network
PLENARY Closing Prayer Service
2:30-3 p.m. | Cannon Chapel
Presider
Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III
Archdiocese of Atlanta