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February 2010

Dear Co-Workers in the Restorative Justice Vineyard-

This issue of our newsletter brings you reflections on the life of Fr. Mark Schmieder, our past president. I want us not only to think and appreciate his past ministry but how this inspires us for ministry now and for the future.

In this respect, this is what the ACCCA has been doing. We have signed on to a couple amici curiae briefs:

bulletThe funding bill for the Second Chance Act before Congress
bulletA Supreme Court case about two juveniles Graham and Sullivan, which advanced the view that life without parole for juveniles for a non-homicide offense is cruel and unusual.
bulletAn appeal brief on McCollum v. California DCR regarding only recognizing the hiring of chaplains of only 5 faith groups.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN THE DAYS FOR OUR SUMMER CONFERENCE.

We’ll begin on Tuesday afternoon and end on Friday afternoon, July 27-30, 2010.

In the Windy City, Chicago, we’ll have the opportunity to restore and rejuvenate our passion for this ministry at the Cenacle Retreat Center near beautiful Lincoln Park on Chicago’s lakefront.

This summer’s conference title, ONLY CRUSHED GRAPES PRODUCE WINE, guided us to the soul of Restorative Justice and seeks the spirituality which initiates, sustains and propels us in serving people at all levels in our criminal justice system. I am excited to see YOU and our guest speakers:

bulletLaura Caldwell – Life After Innocence Project;
bulletJack Cowley-Office of Prisons and Reentry, AlphaUSA;
bulletBarbara McKinney -Madison Urban Ministry-Circles of Support;
bulletFr. George Clements, Chicago;
bulletFr. Larry Lucas-chaplain for Catholic Affairs in New York City's Department of Correction and a chaplain of three jails on Rikers Island;
bulletFr. Arturo Perez, Director- Kolbe House- Archdiocese of Chicago
bulletBishop Barry Knestout, our USCCB Episcopal Liaison, Washington, DC

NEW (and almost) MEMBERS are invited to a special orientation to this spiritual and civil systems ministry on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 PM.

Sharing and living the life of Christ is always a challenge, but more so in the confines of jail and prison. If you know of any jurisdiction which discriminates or does not allow Catholic inmates to practice their faith, (i.e. celebrating the Sacraments, meatless meals during Lent, or forbidding rosaries and prayerbooks, etc)…PLEASE CONTACT US ASAP.

Peace Always,

Paul E. Rogers
President