Restorative Justice

Eucharist in the Prisons - Part 4

In this fourth episode in a 6-part series, Father Harry Dean and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica share their experience of bringing the physical body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist to those in the prison system.  In this episode, our hosts discussed bringing the Eucharist to prison officers.  Specifically, Father Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke about the times that they have observed both respect and disrespect from prison officers, the opportunity for prison officers can actually participate in the prison Mass, as well as times they have been sought after for assistance by prison officers outside of the context of Mass in the prison setting.

Eucharist in the Prisons - Part 5

In this fifth episode in a 6-part series, Father Harry Dean and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica share their experience of bringing the physical body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist to those in the prison system.  In this episode, our hosts discussed bringing the Eucharist into prisons, where the presence of evil can often be seen.  Specifically, Father Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke about the Blessed Sacrament being reposed in a specific men’s prison, the visible sense of protection by the Eucharist in prison dorm and cell blocks, and how sharing the Eucharist is a true bringing of the Light into the darkness of the prison system.

Eucharist in the Prisons - Part 6

In this final episode in a 6-part series, Father Harry Dean and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica share their experience of bringing the physical body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist to those in the prison system.  In this episode, our hosts discussed prisoners’ personal experience with the Eucharist, as heard in their own words at the synod listening session in Gatesville, Texas, in January 2022.

Finding Happiness - Part 1

In this first in a 3-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss finding happiness.  Specifically, the following questions/topics were addressed: 1) How can people build genuine and long-lasting happiness? 2) What are some exercises people can use to promote gratitude in their life? 3) What are some techniques or tips people can utilize to demonstrate gratitude in relationships? and 4) Fr. Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke about gratitude to God.

Finding Happiness - Part 2

In this second in a 3-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss finding happiness.  Specifically, the following questions/topics were addressed: 1) How does exercise promote happiness? 2) How do meditation and mindfulness differ, and how does meditation influence happiness? 3) What are some other ways to create happiness? 4) Please share an activity for mindfulness, meditation? and 5) Fr. Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke about fostering a relationship with God as a means for creating happiness.

Finding Happiness - Part 3

In this third in a 3-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss finding happiness.  Specifically, the following questions/topics were addressed: 1) What is mindfulness and its components? 2) What are the benefits of mindfulness? 3) The practice of mindfulness was explained. 4) How do values influence happiness? and 5) Fr, Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke to how mindfulness improves spiritual connectedness with God.

Strength-Based Learning - Part 1

In this first in a 2-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss Strength-Based Learning.  Specifically, the following questions were addressed: 1) How do one's strengths promote positive mental health? 2) What are some questions people can ask themselves to determine their strengths? 3) What is an activity for strength exploration? and 4) How strengths promote God's love.

Strength-Based Learning - Part 2

In this second in a 2-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss Strength-Based Learning.  Specifically, the following questions/topics were addressed: 1) What are some attributes a person could examine to determine their strengths of positive qualities? 2) How do strengths affect relationships? 3) An activity was shared for finding strengths in challenging times. 4) The Three Good People exercise for spotting strengths was shared. and 5) Fr. Harry and Deacon Ronnie spoke to strengths needed to strengthen and develop a relationship with God.

Mental Health Protective Factors - Part 1

In this first in a 2-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss mental health protective factors for those incarcerated and likewise for those who are not.  In this session, our hosts spoke about the following: 1) What is meant by Protective Factors as related to mental Health? 2) What are healthy coping skills someone can use to promote positive mental health? 3) How can a person develop a sense of purpose while incarcerated? 4) What type of social supports are needed for a person to improve their mental health outcomes? and 5) How the Church can act as a social support for incarcerated persons, help incarcerated persons develop purpose, and how prayer can help as a coping skill.

Mental Health Protective Factors - Part 2

In this second in a 2-part series, Renee Brown, Father Harry Dean, and Deacon Ronnie Lastovica discuss mental health protective factors for those incarcerated and likewise for those who are not.  In this session, our hosts spoke about the following: 1) How can incarcerated persons increase self-esteem? 2) What attributes of physical should be addressed to promote good mental health? 3) What is meant by healthy thinking, and how does it act as protective factor 4) What are some things people can control that will build upon protective factors? and 5) How can focus on God, the Church, and the Sacraments promote healthy thinking?