Additional resources can be found on the Resources page.
Pope John Paul II
Jubilee in Prisons – July 9, 2000
“We are still a long way from the time when our conscience can be certain of having done everything possible, to prevent crime and to control it effectively, so that it no longer does harm; and at the same time, to offer to those who commit crimes a way of redeeming themselves and making a positive return to society.” Read more
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Responsibility, Rehabilitation & Restoration – November 2000
A Catholic approach recognizes that the dignity of the human person applies to both victim and offender. Our tradition and faith call us to hold offenders accountable and challenge them to change, reach out to the victims and reject “vengeance” (death penalty), restore a sense of community and resist violence which engulfs our culture today. Restorative Justice seeks to address crime in terms of the harm done to both the victim and community, not simply a violation of the law. Also, it insists that the offender come to grips with consequences of their actions, while at the same time our faith which calls us to hold people accountable, but to forgive and to heal. Read more
Texas Catholic Bishops
Texas Catholic Action Plan for Criminal Justice – June 2006
To meet the pastoral needs of over 1.1 million men, women, and juveniles under some form of correctional supervision in Texas, a plan is needed to stimulate action at the state, archdiocese/diocese, and parish levels to reduce trauma within the law enforcement and criminal justice systems, prevent crime as well as reduce it, improve the lives of both offenders and their caretakers and move toward better public safety. Read more
Questions or Comments?
Deacon Adrian Cepeda
Director for Criminal Justice Ministry
Phone: 210-734-0766
Email: adrian.cepeda@archsa.org
