On today’s episode of The “Center” we’re joined by Sister Janet Ryan, OSF, and Eric Anderson. Our conversation will focus on the impact that restorative justice practices have on those who are incarcerated, and also on the staff working within the prison system in the state of Illinois. As a member of the community of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, Sister Janet Ryan has been a guest on The “Center” podcast before to discuss the work that she does with Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, IL. Eric Anderson was formerly incarcerated in the Illinois state prison system. Since his release in 2023, Eric has worked with Sr. Janet Ryan to facilitate Circle Keeper and restorative justice training sessions in some of the same prisons where he was once incarcerated.

Click below to listen to this episode:

Resources:

Would you like to know more about Eric Anderson’s story? Read more at Restore Justice: https://www.restorejustice.org/eric-anderson/

The Catholic Mobilizing Network provides information about Circle Keeper Training and Restorative Justice work. You can learn more by visiting their website here: https://catholicsmobilizing.org/our-work/advancing-justice-healing/education-and-formation-events/

Learn more about the work that Sr. Janet Ryan does with Precious Blood Ministries here: https://www.pbmr.org/

In 2021, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to encourage and expand the use of restorative justice practices in Illinois state prisons. You can read about these actions here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.23581.html