[Webinar] Five Lessons From Restorative Practices for the Synod on Synodality

Restorative justice practices can create spaces for conversation where every voice is heard and valued. Such conversations are critical to the Synod on Synodality, a two-year process of listening and dialogue for the Catholic Church announced by Pope Francis in October 2021 and running until 2024.

On Jan. 11, 2022, CMN hosted a webinar on how restorative practices can enrich the synodal processes taking place in Catholic parishes and dioceses nationwide.

Presenters:

  • Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ: Sr. Nathalie is a French religious sister of the Congregation of Xavières who was recently appointed by Pope Francis as the undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops — a role that is essential to the preparation and execution of the Synod on Synodality. She is the first woman to hold this position and therefore will also be the first woman who will vote at the summit of bishops.
  • Fr. David McCallum, S.J.: Fr. David is a Jesuit priest and the founding executive director of the Program for Discerning Leadership, which provides leadership formation for senior Vatican officials and major superiors of religious orders. He is a consultant to the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, and a member of the Methodology Commission.
  • Joe Cotton: Joe is the director of pastoral care and outreach for the Archdiocese of Seattle. He oversees the archdiocesan criminal justice ministry, which provides chaplaincy programs in jails and prisons throughout Western Washington. 
  • Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy: Krisanne serves as the executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), a national organization working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice. Krisanne brings more than 25 years of experience working in national level, faith-based policy advocacy organizations. 
  • Caitlin Morneau: Caitlin serves as director of restorative justice at Catholic Mobilizing Network. She is responsible for program development that increases understanding of restorative justice and use of restorative practices in Catholic contexts.
  • Julia McStravog: Julia is the consultant and project manager for the Synod on Synodality for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.