Support for Survivors and Victims of Homicide
Restorative Justice Ministry, a ministry of presence
Support Services Offered: (Our services may include)
- Prayer or reflection at the location of the homicide, led by a priest or offered through quiet presence and remembrance.
- Assistance with funeral or memorial arrangements, supporting families as they navigate early decisions with care and sensitivity.
- Rosary or other prayer services (for Catholic families), or moments of reflection adapted to a family’s beliefs.
- Attendance at funerals or memorial services, standing in solidarity with families during their time of loss.
- Grief support visits after the funeral, providing continued presence, listening, and accompaniment.
- Thirty‑Day Memorial Mass (for Catholic families), or alternative remembrance when appropriate.
- Accompaniment to the cemetery, upon request—especially on birthdays, anniversaries, or significant dates.
- Ongoing remembrance and prayer for families and loved ones, recognizing that grief continues well beyond the initial loss.
- One‑Year Anniversary remembrance, through a Mass, prayer gathering, or simple moment of reflection with the family.
- Invitations to healing retreats, when families feel ready, offering space for reflection and connection with others who have experienced loss.
- Participation in Victims’ Rights Week observances and the Annual Mass for All Victims of Homicide, creating communal spaces of remembrance and solidarity.
Foundations of Mercy, Justice, and Care
Corporal Works of Mercy
Our approach is inspired by the long‑standing moral call to comfort those who mourn and to honor those who have died. In practice, this means responding to violent loss with compassion rather than silence—showing up with presence, prayer (when desired), and tangible care. For families who welcome religious support, clergy and sacramental services are available; for others, accompaniment may take the form of quiet presence, remembrance, and practical support.
We invite you to walk with us in this ministry of mercy and restoration—through prayerful presence, generous support, or simply by reaching out to learn more.
Catholic Social Teaching in Practice
Our work is guided by ethical principles that affirm the inherent dignity of every human life, the importance of solidarity, and a commitment to care for those most impacted by violence and loss. These values translate into standing with families who are grieving, ensuring they are not isolated or forgotten, and responding with care that recognizes the long‑term effects of trauma, inequity, and harm.
This support is offered with respect for diverse backgrounds, recognizing that justice after homicide must include care for survivors whose lives are permanently affected.
Restorative Justice: From Values to Practice
Informed by restorative justice principles, our ministry emphasizes relationship, listening, and healing. Restorative justice invites responses to violence that acknowledge harm while supporting pathways toward healing, remembrance, and meaning.
Rather than rushing families toward closure, we remain available—creating space for grief to be expressed, stories to be honored, and ongoing support to be offered in ways that feel safe and respectful.
A Ministry of Presence and Accompaniment
Our support is grounded in presence rather than solutions, and companionship rather than answers. Participation is always voluntary and guided by each family’s needs, beliefs, and timing.
We offer accompaniment through moments of ritual, prayer (when welcomed), silence, remembrance, and simple acts of care—meeting families where they are and remaining available as long as support is desired.
Discerning a Call to This Ministry
Many people feel called to support families affected by homicide but are unsure how to begin—or whether this work is right for them. Accompanying grief requires patience, humility, and formation, and discernment is an essential part of this ministry.
Those who are exploring this work are invited to learn gradually through:
- One‑time accompaniment opportunities, observing and accompanying alongside trained ministers
- Videos and community stories, sharing real experiences of presence and healing
- Restorative justice training, focused on trauma‑informed listening, dignity, ethical accompaniment, and care
We believe vocation is revealed through encounter, and we welcome individuals to explore this ministry at their own pace.
