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RJ Ministry Community of Practice

Do you practice restorative justice in a Catholic ministry? Join our community, a space for learning, connection, and growth.

Who Are We?

CMN’s “RJ Ministry Community of Practice” is a virtual network of ministry leaders who seek to connect with one another, deepen their knowledge of restorative justice, and build skills for bringing restorative practices to their institutions, ministries, and civic life.

650 community members nationwide belong to a specialized email listserv, where they share resources, news, and formation opportunities.

Each month, the community gathers for a free virtual event to build relationships with fellow practitioners and navigate core questions about implementing restorative practices, especially in faith-based settings.

Members of the RJ Ministry Community of Practice are bringing restorative justice practices to:

  • Ministry & advocacy in the criminal legal system such as alternatives to incarceration and community-supported reintegration and accountability
  • Victim-survivor accompaniment
  • Dialogue and healing processes to address harm-laden topics, including racial injustice and institutional harm
  • Catholic nonprofits, religious congregations, and organizational life
  • Schools, colleges, universities, and young adults ministries
  • Parish and diocesan life
  • Government and legal practice (e.g., attorneys, public defenders)
  • Community restorative justice organizations (e.g., direct services, advocacy)

Sign Up to Join the Community of Practice!

Recurring Community Events

Deepening Circles

Deepening Circles are workshops for emerging and experienced RJ Ministry practitioners to reflect together on important themes and common challenges of restorative justice implementation.

Past themes include: Unpacking Accountability; Creating Community Agreements; Restorative Practices for Ministry Meetings and Gatherings; Restorative Practices Inside Prison; Restorative Spaces for Racial Healing; Restorative Justice in Educational Settings, Restorative Parish.

New Offering: Circle Keeper Cafe

Join us for an informal gathering where ministers trained in circle keeping come together to connect and grow.
This supportive space is perfect for reflecting on your practice, sharing stories, tackling tough questions, and gaining insights from seasoned keepers. Plus, you’ll hear fresh ideas that can inspire your journey. 
We meet every other month on Fridays via Zoom—log on to be part of the conversation!

Upcoming Circle Keeper Cafes:
Friday, November 15, 2024, 12-1 p.m. ET: Sharing circle ceremonies
Friday, January 17, 2024, 12-1 p.m. ET: Circle values & guidelines

Registration is not necessary. To receive the login information, sign up to join the Community of Practice!

Skillcraft Sessions

Skillcraft Sessions are structured workshops led by experienced restorative justice practitioners in which participants acquire new skills and tools for facilitating restorative practices.
Past themes include: Restoration and Social-Emotional Skills; Restorative Teaching Tools.

Upcoming Restorative Justice Events:

  • Intro to Restorative Justice (November 2024)

    November 21

  • Deepening Circle: Finding an Entry Point for Restorative Practices

    December 4

  • Intro to Restorative Justice (February 2025)

    February 28, 2025

  • Intro to Restorative Justice (May 2025)

    May 23, 2025

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