Justice and Mercy
When Jesus encounters the woman caught in the act of adultery as she is about to be put to death by a group of men, He asks one question, “Who among you is without sin?” Jesus was teaching us to find ways to be merciful, and still find ways to hold an offender accountable. “Go, and sin no more.”
Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is Biblical Justice, and justice is at the very heart of our Gospel message. Restorative justice is an alternative approach to justice that values healing over punishment. Restorative justice practices were present in the days of the early church and reflect the most basic tenets of sacred Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching. Restorative holds offenders accountable even as it opens paths to healing, especially with victims.
Prison and Jail Ministry
Ministry and care for the prisoner is one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy and central to putting our Catholic faith in action. Our ministry is guided by Jesus’ own words: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me” (Matthew, 25:35-36).
Prisoner Reentry and Reintegration
Clergy, diocesan staff and volunteers accompany those being released from incarceration through the diocese’s prisoner reentry and reintegration program. They support Kairos House, a transitional housing facility located in central San Diego for men recently released from prison or jail. They offer spiritual support, faith formation and liturgies for the house’s residents who are Catholic or are interested in joining the faith.