Resources

“Choosing Mercy” Vigil: Praying Together to End the Death Penalty

“Choosing Mercy” Vigil: Praying Together to End the Death Penalty

Inspired by the need for mercy in our society, this prayer vigil includes reflections on scripture and intersections for all those in need of healing. Centered around the call to end the death penalty, this vigil can serve as a thoughtful prayer tool in those times leading up to and in the aftermath of an…

[One-Pager] Racism and the Criminal Justice System (USCCB)

[One-Pager] Racism and the Criminal Justice System (USCCB)

In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released its long anticipated pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. In conjunction, the USCCB also released a 2-page letter highlighting the racial disparities systemically upheld within our country’s criminal justice system: Racism and the Criminal Justice System….

March for Life Sign: Who Would Jesus Execute?

March for Life Sign: Who Would Jesus Execute?

Attending the March for Life? (Or know someone who is?) Carry this sign with you to affirm your commitment to upholding the dignity of ALL human life.  This poster is sized to 8.5″ x 11″ and can be easily printed on a standard sheet of computer paper. To have the design blown up to a…

The Movie Just Mercy: a Catholic Study Guide

The Movie Just Mercy: a Catholic Study Guide

About Just Mercy Based on Bryan Stevenson’s bestselling book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, the film Just Mercy presents the stunning true story of Walter McMillian, a black man convicted and sentenced to death in Alabama in 1988 for a crime he did not commit. The movie follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson in…

Catholic Social Teaching and Restorative Justice [printable]

Catholic Social Teaching and Restorative Justice [printable]

This PDF resource presents restorative justice through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching principles. It illuminates ways that restorative practices can transform individual relationships, communities, and systems in the spirit of healing and reconciliation. When crime happens, the U.S. legal system asks three questions: What law was broken? Who is guilty? How should they be…

Restorative Questions Card [Printable]

Restorative Questions Card [Printable]

CMN’s Restorative Questions Card is sized to fit in your pocket or wallet and be carried with you! About the Questions All of us have caused harm at some point in our lives; so too have we been harmed by others. When that happens, we have the opportunity to embrace a restorative mindset and pursue…

[One-Pager] What is Restorative Justice?

[One-Pager] What is Restorative Justice?

This two-page handout gives an introductory overview of restorative justice and ways that practices can be applied in various settings. Download and print copies of this resource to complement an educational program or spread the word about restorative justice in your parish and community. Click here to read more about restorative justice.

Praying with Mary to Overcome the Sin of Racism

Praying with Mary to Overcome the Sin of Racism

In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released a pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. This prayer closes the letter. As in all things, we turn to prayer, asking Our Blessed Mother to intercede on our behalf: Mary, friend and mother to all, through…

Handout preview

[One-Pager] Capital Punishment in the U.S. and Momentum Toward Abolition

The United States is an international outlier when it comes to maintaining the death penalty; more than 70% of the world’s countries have abolished capital punishment in law or practice. (Source: Death Penalty Information Center) But despite its poor record, the U.S. has seen intensifying momentum toward national death penalty abolition in recent years. From…

clasped hands

Litany for Those Who Aren’t Ready for Healing

This litany was written by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, Professor and Dean of the Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN, in the wake of the killing of Michael Brown. On August 9, 2014, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, MO. Let us not rush to the language of…

Collection of Short Prayers in the Face of Executions

Collection of Short Prayers in the Face of Executions

Prayer for Life By Bishop Daniel Flores God Eternal Father, You are the Living God. Life is who you are, Life is what you love, Life is what you breathe. Creation was made to house life; life is what you give. Human life is your most beloved, And what You most affirmed when you sent…