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St. Stephen Catholic Parish, SaladoSaturday, July 27, 2019
Summary Report -
Introduction of the Day
John Gilluly, Associate Director of the diocesan office of Restorative Justice Ministry and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica, Coordinator of the Gatesville Correctional Ministry opened the day with a brief welcome to all attending. Our gathering included priests, seminarians, deacons and lay volunteers from across our diocese– from West in the northern most part of the Diocese; Bryan/College Station in the east; San Saba and Llano in the west, and Austin, Lockhart and Luling in the south. We also had Criminal Justice Ministry volunteers attending from the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
An introduction of the staff members of the Secretariat of Life, Charity & Justice who were conducting the event followed with a message of welcome and encouragement to all present.
Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration in Criminal Justice
Paulist Father Bruce Nieli began the event by leading an opening prayer, following which he gave a presentation on restorative approaches to criminal justice.
Update on Religious Volunteers Serving in TDCJ Prisons
T im Hunter, Region VI Director of Chaplaincy, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) followed Father Nieli’s presentation with an update programs conducted by and policies governing religious volunteers serving in TDCJ prison units. Chaplain Hunter is the Director of Chaplaincy for TDCJ’s Region VI, which encompasses most of the Austin Diocese’s geographical boundaries.
Community Mass
Very Rev. James Misko, Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin, was the principal celebrant of the Mass with Father Harry Dean and Father Tom Chamberlain concelebrating. Deacon Ronnie Lastovica assisted at the Mass. In his homily, Father Misko stressed the importance of and appreciation for the contribution made by volunteers in the restorative Justice Ministry and for the sacrifice of their time to assist those caught up in the criminal justice system.
Advancing Solutions and Building Coalitions to Reduce Mass Incarceration
Allison Franklin, Peer Policy Fellow of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC) began the afternoon began with a presentation on TCJC’s research programs and advocacy efforts to reduce mass incarceration in Texas correctional facilities. Allison also gave an impassioned presentation on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation accompanied by drug abuse, mental health, and intersections with the criminal justice system.
Reflection on the Respect for Human Life and Dignity
Deacon Chris Smith gave the final talk of the day with a reflection on respect for human life and dignity as it applies to all, including those caught up in the criminal justice system. Deacon Chris stressed that we, as Christ’s disciples, are called to show compassion for and assist the less fortunate in our society today, including offenders and their families, in fulfillment of Christ’s mandate in Matthew 25.
Wrap-up Comments
John Gilluly closed the day with a few comments about the support role of the diocesan Office of the Restorative Justice Ministry and invited volunteers to visit the ministry’s web site or contact him for additional information or assistance.
Father Harry Dean concluded with a short closing prayer.
Paulist Father Bruce Nieli presenting on restorative approaches to criminal justice
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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