As we wrap up four days of virtual training with the team at RJWV.org, I’m looking back at a couple of years ago when we received the first phone call from Jamey Brogan. As Jamey described the situation in their local diocese, the parallels to our situation in the Twin Cities were unmistakeable – significant harm had been caused, the result of the failings of local Catholic Church leadership. Jamey had run across information about the Restorative Justice work being done here in Minnesota on our parish website and wanted to learn more. When Father Daniel Griffith and I wrapped up the call, I remember thinking, “I hope that was helpful. We likely won’t hear from them again. I wish them well.”
As a tribute to the persistence and commitment of a diverse working group of individuals, incredible progress has been made since that August day. They organized a two-day session at Wheeling University in February of 2020, days before Covid closed the doors on so much of our world. Father Daniel, Janine Geske, Mary Novak and I joined a thoughtful, and much larger than expected, group at Wheeling U. I might add this turnout was despite the fact that the area was in the midst of a Minnesota-style snowstorm. The concept of Restorative Justice and healing circles was introduced and those who came had the opportunity to participate in a circle.
The training we wrapped up today is another important step and milestone in this work for these wonderful folks in the Wheeling area. I was delighted to see how many people registered to participate, and how many of them stayed the entire four days of training! Another positive sign was an excellent suggestion by Father Ignatius (Hadi!) to invite any participants who wanted to try their hand at leading circles to participate with a mentor on the final day of training. Several hands went up. The dialogue, stories and sharing that took place this week will indeed help create the path towards healing.
Kudos to the team at RJWV.org. I look forward to seeing how your work continues to grow and evolve, friends!
An Indistinct Destination 
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