Restorative Justice

I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:36, 40)

On any given day in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties), there are 16,200 individuals incarcerated in the detention system. These numbers pale in comparison when you consider not only these individuals but their victims and the families and communities affected by crime and the criminal justice system.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has long recognized the benefits – both spiritual and secular – of providing a regular religious practice for inmates and of offering outreach, support and reconciliation for victims and the families.

Our Vision is of a society that follows the Restorative Justice principles of love, hope, and mercy to all of God’s people.

Our Mission is to embrace Jesus’ invitation to walk with the incarcerated and comfort those who mourn while providing pastoral care for the incarcerated (men, women, and juveniles), victims, and their families; and to work with others to inspire positive changes in the criminal justice system.

Our Approach includes offering masses/communion services, one-on-one counseling sessions, sacramental preparations, and small group gatherings that address low self-esteem, addiction and recovery from a Catholic perspective.

Click here to learn more about the ministries and programs offered by our department.