Staff Report

St. Vivian Catholic church will host ‘Dismas Journey: A Dialogue on Reentry, Opportunity, and Justice’ from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday July 25.

Attendees will be asked the following questions:
Can Ohio build a more redemptive criminal justice system?
 How can Cincinnati’s Catholic community provide for more hope, opportunity and gainful employment for our returning citizens?

Ohio’s justice system impacts all families and communities. This dialogue is open and will connect people with returning citizens working to improve their lives and creating system change.

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr said in a statement in support of the Dismas Journey Program: In their statement, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, the bishops of this country expressed that a Catholic response to crime requires “justice, contrition, reparation and return or reintegration of all into the community….” The newly structured dialogues… offer an enlightening opportunity for Cincinnati-area Catholics to listen to the stories of returning citizens, to help them become full participating members of society, and, in turn, to find ways to reduce recidivism and increase safety in our communities.

Dismas is the name given to the repentant thief who died on the cross with Jesus: “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” (Luke 23:42-43)

For more information, contact the Catholic Social Action office at (513) 421-3131 x2660 or [email protected]