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St. Stephen Catholic Parish, Salado
Saturday, July 27, 2019 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come and experience a day of encouragement and spiritual renewal with fellow Restorative Justice ministers and volunteers from throughout the Diocese of Austin. This day of spiritual retreat will offer a special opportunity to be attentive to God’s personal concern for those who provide this challenging and dynamic ministry. It will also provide the opportunity to hear from and interact with a number of distinguished speakers who will present on key criminal justice topics.
The day will include celebration of Mass by the Very Rev. James Misko, Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin.
Paulist Father Bruce Nieli will discuss restorative approaches to criminal justice. Other talks will be led by Tim Hunter, Region VI Director of Chaplaincy for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Leah Pinney, Executive Director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition; and Anita Schwartz, Community Relations Coordinator for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. We will conclude our gathering with a reflection by Deacon Chris Smith on human life and dignity.
A light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Cost is $20.
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Schedule of the Day
8:30 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Introduction of the Day John Gilluly, Associate Director, Restorative Justice Ministry;
Deacon Ronnie Lastovica, Coordinator, Gatesville Correctional Ministry
Morning Prayer and Thanksgiving
9:15 a.m.
Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration in Criminal Justice.
Rev. Bruce Nieli, CSP10:15 a.m.
Update on Religious Volunteers Serving in TDCJ Prisons
Tim Hunter, Region VI Director of Chaplaincy, Texas Department of Criminal Justice10:45 a.m.
Break and Preparation for Mass 11:00 a.m. Community Mass
Very Rev. James Misko, Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin with music by the Emmaus Parish Choir
12:00 p.m.
Lunch and Fellowship
1:00 p.m
.Youth Detention Facilities – Volunteer Program Opportunities and Needs
Anita Schwartz, Community Relations Coordinator, Texas Juvenile Justice Department
1:30 p.m.
Advancing Solutions and Building Coalitions to Reduce Mass Incarceration
Leah Pinney, Executive Director, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
2:00 p.m.
Reflection on the Respect for Human Life and Dignity
Deacon Chris Smith
2:45 p.m. Next Steps and Closing Prayer
The Office of Restorative Justice Ministry of the Diocese of Austin promotes Christ’s love and forgiveness through assistance, education and social interaction to the incarcerated and their families, and helps those returning from prison successfully reintegrate back into society by becoming productive citizens.
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