Scripture

March 31^st – Fourth Sunday of lent – Gospel reading 

Catechesis video 

Catechesis video Questions

7-12 grade

1. What is restorative justice?
2. How is it different from retributive (retribution) justice?
3. Why is retributive justice popular? What are its negative side effects?
4. How is restorative justice better for victims, offenders, the community and the country?

Faith sharing/Parishioners

1. What is restorative justice?
2. How is it different from retributive (retribution) justice?
3. Why is retributive justice popular? What are its negative side effects?
4. How is restorative justice better for victims, offenders, the community and the country?

Parish Leadership/Committees

1. What is restorative justice?
2. How is it different from retributive (retribution) justice?
3. Why is retributive justice popular? What are its negative side effects?
4. How is restorative justice better for victims, offenders, the community and the country?

Witness Video

Witness Video Questions

7-12 grade

1. How might restorative justice be applied in your school or home?
2. In the second video the officer shared his skepticism about restorative justice? Why was he skeptical?
3. What changed for him after he participated in the restorative justice process with those who broke the law?
4. How can you promote restorative justice?

Faith sharing/Parishioners

1. How might restorative justice be applied in your parish, school, or community?
2. In the second video the officer shared his skepticism about restorative justice? Why was he skeptical?
3. What changed for him after he participated in the restorative justice process with those who broke the law?
4. How can you promote restorative justice?

Parish Leadership/Committees

1. How might restorative justice be applied in your school or home?
2. In the second video the officer shared his skepticism about restorative justice? Why was he skeptical?
3. What changed for him after he participated in the restorative justice process with those who broke the law?
4. How can you promote restorative justice?

Take Action

7-12 grade

1. Study Restorative Justice practices – the principles behind it, the success rates, the economic benefit – share with local legislators, law enforcement and others involved in the criminal justice system.
2. Put together an info sheet about restorative justice methods to share with your community, parish, and government officials.
3. Promote restorative justice practices in your school or at home.

Faith Sharing/Parishioners

1. Get involved in the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s Jail and Prison Ministry 
2. Set aside one month worth of Fridays to fast, abstain from meat and pray for the victims of violence and for the conversion of offenders.
3. Talk to others about the Church’s teaching and help those who support the death penalty come closer to the teachings of the Church
4. Volunteer with organizations that serve the victims of violence.

Parish Leadership/Committees

1. Get involved in the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s Jail and Prison Ministry 
2. Promote programs in your parish that connect people to assisting survivors of violence through various means of support.
3. Hold a program on Restorative Justice and plan a way for your parishioners to get involved in promoting it in your local community, state, and nation.
4. Welcome guests to your parish who have gone through restorative justice programs to share their story, their challenges and successes.

Closing prayer

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.

We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.

We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.

We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.

We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.

We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.

We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen

(“Prayer to end the use of the Death Penalty” from the USCCB website)

Bonus video on Restorative Justice: