JustFaith is a conversion-based process that seeks to integrate personal spirituality and social ministry. The aim of JustFaith is to empower participants to develop a passion and thirst for justice and to express this passion in concrete acts of parish social ministry. JustFaith is a tool that has proven over and over again to be an effective strategy for training and forming parishioners to be agents of social transformation.
JustFaith is a process. Over the course of seven to eight months, participants meet weekly for readings, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer, retreats, and hands-on experiences in justice education. The intent is to provide a tapestry of learning opportunities that emphasize and enliven the remarkable justice tradition of the Church. Participants are exposed not only to a substantive and demanding course of study but are also afforded the privilege of becoming community with other participants and sharing a journey of faith and compassion that is both life-giving and challenging.
JustFaith is adaptable to local parish interests and staffing. The syllabus allows for flexibility in the study topics and program schedule, and accommodates differences in parish staff availability and facilitation skills; JustFaith can be--and typically is--facilitated by parishioners, meaning it does not create added responsibilities for professional staff. The program can also be adapted for use in other settings including diocesan-sponsored programs, small faith communities, and college campuses.
JustFaith was first introduced to the Joliet Diocese in 2003. Since that time 110 individuals have graduated from the program sponsored by 8 parishes throughout the diocese!
Download a brochure describing the local Joliet Diocese JustFaith experience.
Listing of JustFaith Groups meeting in 2007/08
Materials For Getting Started
For Youth Groups, Please see our New Program Justice Walking!!! Information below.
JWalking
Justice Walking - A Program for High School Students
The Peace and Social Justice Ministry Office, Diocesan "JustFAITH" Committee, and "JustFAITH Alumni, and myself warmly invite you to learn more about "Justice Walking," the junior/senior high school JustFAITH program. This fall "JWalking" will be implemented in our diocese. If you know of high school youth or youth ministers interested in the program, please contact me.
The eighteen week program, designed by Joe Grant, promises to engage high school young people in study and action that will deepen their love and commitment to Jesus and to living his Gospel message. Informational materials may be downloaded below.
Hoping you will spread the word about this compelling faith-deepening process,
Joyce Ruhaak
JustMatters is a new and expanding series of formation materials that allow participants to spend six to eight weekly or bi-weekly sessions focusing on a particular social justice topic. Formatted like JustFaith (prayer, reading, videos, speakers, dialogue, community building and an immersion component), JustMatters allows a group of eight to twelve people to give sustained attention to a specific area of social concern or social ministry, culminating in a call to engaged action.
Each year, new materials focusing on particular topics are created and added to the JustMatters library. Categories include critical issues, social ministry skills, and spirituality. Subscribing churches will have access to all topical options and can receive up to four modules per year. JustFaith graduates will find these resources useful in engaging the larger church in the study of current issues, effective strategies and a sustaining inner life. In addition, participants in JustMatters may find this to be a compelling springboard into the JustFaith program.
The initial topics being introduced are Immigration, Climate Change, The UN Millenium Development Goals, Federal Budget Priorities, and Prison Reform. Other topics under consideration are Economic Development for the Poor, Rural Life, Militarism, Racism, Forming Small Justice Communities, Community Organizing and Aging and the Elderly.
JustMatters Overview
JustMatters course flier preview "Climate Change"
www.paxjoliet.org |
