The Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Restorative Justice Ministry will hold the Christmas Angels Family Event at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 12 p.m.

Christmas Angels Family Event

Per announcement of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, it invited the community to join the Restorative Justice Ministry's Christmas Angels Family Event, which will include photo opportunities with Santa Claus, the exchange of Christmas gifts, face painting, as well as the provision of food and beverages.

This program is intended solely for children who have been affected by homicide, children who have a parent who is incarcerated, and children who have been affected by abuse and violence in the home.

Through prayer, prevention, intervention, and direction, Restorative Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco offers everyone affected by crime, including victims and offenders within the communities, the support they need to heal after being exposed to criminal activity.

According to the ministry, they believe that peace and justice can be restored to the situation when both sides are provided with the assistance necessary for them to recover and advance within the society. 

In addition to providing services, the Restorative Justice Ministry acts as an advocate for justice and works to promote peace.

Prayer services are held for the families of homicide victims at the sites of the crimes, and the Restorative Justice Ministry is there to support the families both during and after the burial ceremonies.

They offer interfaith spiritual retreats to families of crime victims, in addition to coordinating healing circles for people who have survived a violent incident or who are part of the families of homicide victims.

Additionally, the ministry provides training for those who aid crime survivors and sponsors conferences during Victims Rights Week.

Per the website, in terms of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals, the Restorative Justice Ministry is committed to advocating for laws, public policies, and initiatives that are designed to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals. 

In addition to this, they offer programs that aim to improve the possibilities of ex-offenders reintegrating into society.

About Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is the "mother church" of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, as stated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who serves as the archbishop of the archdiocese. 

The cathedral is home to a thriving parish community as well as a huge event center, and it serves as the setting for some of the most magnificent liturgies and concerts. 

In the midst of the bustling metropolis, The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is a holy place where one can go to pray alone.

According to the church’s website, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is a work of art and architecture that evokes the connection between heaven and earth that Jesus Christ achieved for humanity.

The harmony and purity that can be achieved through contemporary engineering are reminiscent of the combination of human and divine that underlies creation and life.