Sharing in Christ's mission of reconciliation, we work as agents of reconciliation and healing with those in our community and our Church who have been impacted by violence and conflict. Our ministries reach out to the victim, the wrongdoer, and the community to create a safe space where healing can begin and where people can find the supportand encouragement needed to begin reconciliation. We strive to be a resource to the community to find restorative ways to heal and rebuild after violence and conflict.
Hope and Healing Circle
Every second Sunday afternoon a group gathers at the Center to participate in a Circle of Hope and Healing. The group is made up of individuals and families who have lost loved ones to violence. Here those who are too often unable to find a listening ear can gather with others who understand the pain of what has happened. The Center offers a safe place of hospitality and prayer, and through the Circle they offer each other the chance to begin healing through telling their stories.
Hope and Healing Mass
Annually, PBMR arranges a Mass and ritual for healing and reconciliation for survivors of violence, families or friends of victims of violence, and the community as it is affected by violence. Mass is celebrated by Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and offers a prayerful and supportive place for the community to gather in Eucharist for hope and healing. Recognizing the diversity of the neighborhood, the mass is offered in a combination of English and Spanish. In an effort to include several parish communities, the location of the Mass varies and has been held at St. Michael's Church at 4821 S Damen, and St. Joseph's Church at 4800 S Hermitage.
Very Powerful!
The last Hope and Healing Mass was October 30th at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 4500 S. Ashland. About 200 people attended!.
Hope and Healing Interfaith Prayer Service
In union with St. Basil / Visitation Church, PBMR offers a time for healing prayers,
scriptures, hymns, and reflections, for:
• survivors of violence
• families / friends of victims of violence
• the community affected by violence
The Making Choices (MC) group is made up of at-risk inner city youth, ages 14 to 19, who voluntarily come to the center. They are from different neighborhoods, gangs, and races and are normally former residents of the juvenile detention center or the Illinois Department of Corrections. First and foremost, the Center provides a safe and respectful place for them to gather and share their story. The Center also provides many opportunties and programs for the youth.
After School Program
Many youth who we work with struggle with the social and academic responsibilities at school. So, we offer a place where they can get a snack, focus on their homework, and talk about issues in a healthy, supportive environment.
Making Choices Mentoring Program
The MCMP is designed to connect youth of promise with adult role models. The goal is to help youth incarcerated in the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center to transition back into their communities.
The Mentor Program is designed to help awaken in each participant a desire to re-enter his community with new goals and motivation.
To find out more about the Mentoring Program, visit the
Making Choices Mentoring Page!
Retreats
We offer youth an opportunity to step out of the neighborhood with all of its chaos and into a time of personal reflection and peace.
Our camping retreat is held in the fall at Tippecanoe State Park in Indiana, with the help of St. Joseph College students and Bro. Tim Hemm, CPSS. The rustic cabins, volleyball court, camp fire, and canoeing all come together to offer a fun, energetic chance to explore the wonders of nature.
Our winter retreat takes place in Ruma, Illinois, where we are guests of the Sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) at their Center of Peace. This modern retreat house, rolling hills complete with ponds and streams, great food, and the Sisters awesome companionship are the ideal complement to self-reflection.
Our summer retreat is held each year at the Giesige Retreat House in Celina, Ohio. Located about five hours from Chicago, this newly constructed home offers a full size kitchen, swimming pond, small town atmosphere, and lots of adventures. A great place to get away.
Jail Ministry
In collaboration with Kolbe House, the Chicago Archdioceses Jail Ministry, PBMR is involved in ministering to youth within the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (CCJTDC).
The ministry includes celebrating Mass every Saturday and visiting the detention center on Tuesday and Thursday to minister one-on-one to the youth.
In addition, every other Saturday PBMR publishes and distributes the Making Choices Newsletter, a compilation of poems and art by individuals incarcerated throughout Illinois.
We also have two peacemaking circles a week, one of them is a drumming circle. The drumming circle gathers 10 to 15 youths for reflection and cathartic drumming on African drums called djembes.
Restorative Justice & Community
Restorative Justice Circles/Peacemaking Circles
As a ministry that stands between offenders and victims, the Precious Blood staff, all trained in the Circle process, utilize the Circle process whenever possible both in the community and within the Center itself. Working with Second Chance Alternative High School, PBMR has facilitated circles in response to the reintegration of two suspended students and to establish values and guidelines at the beginning of a new year. In addition to using the Circle process in regular programs with the youth, PBMR uses Peacemaking Circles to handle issues occurring within the Center, such as an incidence of theft. PBMR also facilitate Support and Accountability and Re-Entry Circles for youth who are involved in the Juvenile Justice System.
Circle Training
Following the enthusiastic response generated by the first Circle Training Workshop, -- lead by Kay Pranis, author of Peacemaking Circles: From Crime to Community in March 2005 -- PBMR has hosted several subsequent Circle Trainings.
Most recently in March 2007, eighteen individuals gathered at the Center to learn how to use this unique means of communication. We have hosted trainings for probation officers, lawyers, Ceasefire staff, Catholic Charities Street Intervention staff, Youth Outreach Services staff, employees from various community agencies, and teachers & counselors from schools.
The receptiveness of the community and strength of the training ensures the use of the circle method by various groups and enables the center to offer workshops in the future.
For further info on upcoming circle trainings contact Dave Kelly or Margaret Hughes.
Check out the News and Events for more information.
Cluster Meetings
Every first Wednesday afternoon the pastors and other parish staff of St. Michaels, San Miguel School, Holy Cross/IHM, and St. Josephs gather at the Center for prayer and sharing along with the PBMR staff. Here we can plan collaborative events that affect the connecting neighborhoods.
Spirituality Day
Directed at people who work in the community around the center, twice a year we offer a day where they can step out of their role as ministers and helpers to be personally re-energized by their faith. Past speakers have included Fr. Bob Schreiter, CPPS and Fr. Joe Nassal, CPPS.
St. John of God Collaborative Effort
The St. John of God Collaborative Effort includes Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Catholic Charities Street Intervention and Counseling Service, Youth Outreach, and Second Chance Alternative High School.
Radar Meetings
“Radar” is a system of collaboration and ongoing confidential communication that better enables youth to grow and prosper in a supportive and supervised environment. Every other Tuesday Precious Blood representatives gather with representatives of various agencies, such as Youth Outreach and Catholic Charities, to see which youths are on our “radar screen”; that is, who needs assistance that requires a joint effort. Through this accompaniment the agencies of Radar seek to build a more peaceful neighborhood.
Peace and Education Coalition
The Peace and Education Coalition is a coalition of local churches, schools, law enforcement, businesses and community-based organizations working for an end to violence in the Back of the Yards/New City neighborhood of Chicago. The coalition convenes every third Wednesday at 10 am at 4747 S. Marshfield Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.
Peace and Education Coalition Website
The PBMR gathers with other groups and individuals and leads a ritual of hope at the site of violence within our community.