Archdiocese of San Francisco - Restorative Justice Ministry: Living Lent Year-Round

Sister Ellen Cafferty, a devoted member of the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco, has dedicated her life to serving the marginalized and impoverished communities of North and Central America.  With over 46 years of ministry experience, Sister Ellen's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to embodying the principles of compassion and restorative justice.

In 2018, Sister Rosina drew her attention to a flyer from the Archdiocesan Office of Restorative Justice, calling for volunteers to visit youth at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center.  After rigorous preparation, including orientation and qualification tests, Sister Ellen eagerly joined the ministry, meeting fellow volunteers at St. Brendan's parish hall on Sundays.

Engagement with Restorative Justice

As Sister Ellen immersed herself in the ministry, she observed a significant need for educational support among incarcerated youth.  During Sunday sessions, she learned that over half of the youth struggled with reading and comprehension.  Motivated by this revelation, Sister Ellen and her colleagues began visiting the center during the week to provide additional assistance.  However, their efforts faced a setback when COVID-19 forced the center to close its doors to outsiders.

Impact of COVID-19 and Adaptation:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges to Sister Ellen's ministry, as restrictions prevented volunteers from accessing the juvenile center. Undeterred, Sister Ellen continued her service through prayer and reflection, eagerly anticipating the day when she could resume her work with the youth.

Commitment to Restorative Justice:

Upon joining the ministry, Sister Ellen recognized the pressing need for educational support among incarcerated youth.  Despite setbacks caused by the pandemic, she and her fellow volunteers continued their efforts to provide literacy programs, embodying the spirit of restorative justice.

Ash Wednesday 2024: A Call to Action

In the spirit of Lenten sacrifice and service, Sister Ellen and her colleagues received a new opportunity to engage in restorative justice ministry.  On Ash Wednesday 2024, they visited the county jails in San Francisco and San Bruno to distribute ashes and offer spiritual support to over 700 incarcerated individuals. Despite the bustling environment, Sister Ellen viewed this as a profound privilege, reaffirming her commitment to advocating for the marginalized and oppressed.  **Watch Sister Ellen and others bring Ash Wednesday '24 to incarcerated youth : Living Lent Year-Round**

Reflection and Hope:

For Sister Ellen, the experience of spreading the gospel on Ash Wednesday was a profound privilege.  As she reflects on her journey, she remains steadfast in her belief that participating in efforts to make present the Kingdom is the greatest privilege one can hope for in life.  Looking ahead, Sister Ellen harbors hope for the continuation of her ministry, eager to serve for as long as God permits.

Sister Ellen's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, love, service, and compassion in addressing social injustice.  As she continues to navigate the challenges of the modern world, Sister Ellen remains steadfast in her belief that "participating in efforts to make present the Kingdom is the greatest privilege I can hope for in life."  From her humble beginnings in San Francisco to her impactful missionary work, her ongoing commitment to restorative justice is evident.