Ministry of Restorative Justice

This diocese has many state and county detention centers. In fact we understand that the Stockton Diocese has the second largest population of persons held in
detention in the world. We simply cannot close our eyes to the challenge of
providing ministry and advocating for the prisoner and the victims in our
midst. How do we reach out to the victims of violent crime? How do we insure that criminals have a real opportunity to change their lives? How do we re-orient and welcome prisoners back into the community once they are released? How do we care for the families of those who are incarcerated? How do we support the workers who serve in these institutions in these very high stress jobs? How do we make sure that adequate religious and rehabilitation programs are available in these institutions? The effective SMC will become aware of the reality we face in this diocese, and search for new ways to be of service.

Last Update April 27, 2007