What is JustFaith?

Our Catholic faith and biblical tradition extend an extraordinary invitation to each of us and to our faith communities to become agents of God’s compassion and healing in a wounded world.  The Good News of Christ is both a comfort and a promise for the poor and, at the same time, a call to those of us who are not poor to be linked with God’s vision of justice and reconciliation. 

 

JustFaith offers an opportunity for parishioners to experience a spiritual journey into compassion.  Most of us long to be a generous and compassionate people.  However, the opportunities to explore this tradition in a deliberate and engaging way have largely not been available.  JustFaith, now offered in hundreds of parishes across the country, provides a lively and challenging format to read, view, discuss, pray, experience and be formed by the justice tradition, which changes lives, inspires faithful witness, and transforms the world through love and service.

 

JustFaith meets weekly, employing books, videos, guest speakers, discussion, prayer, retreats and hands-on experiences. Participants 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. 

 

Do participants need to have previous social justice experience or knowledge?

No.  People benefit from JustFaith if they have been involved in social ministry for a long time or if they are newly interested. Testimonies from around the country attest to the fact that both experienced and inexperienced participants have derived great benefit.

  

What does the JustFaith program entail?

JustFaith involves groups of about 15 people, who meet for 30 weekly sessions, two weekend retreats and four Saturday hands-on experiences.  Overall, this extended justice education process that occurs through JustFaith extends over 8 months, employing books, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer, retreats, hands-on experiences, and community building.

  

Does it cost anything to participate in JustFaith?

The books cost approximately $175/person and are paid in installments.  <s></s>

 

Testimonies

Karen Simon, St. Camillus parishioner

Among other things, the JustFaith process has given me a deeper commitment to serve the poor and marginalized in our community.  In December 2003, we did a Hands-On Experience with our St. Camillus French-African community in which we listened to the stories of some of those who have been persecuted, tortured and had to flee from their homelands, and are now political asylees and refugees in our community.  That day, my heart was “broken open.”  I have since been richly blessed by the close relationships I have with some from this community…people who have taught me the true meaning of deep faith and trust in God. I feel called to be an advocate for and to be a companion on life’s journey with my new friends.

 

Jenny Haliski, St. Camillus parishioner

Through JustFaith I have developed a greater awareness of how excessive consumption in the U.S. is tied to an unequal distribution of the world’s resources, global poverty and hunger.  I now do my best to consider whether the corporations I support with my purchases act responsibly on a range of social issues, and to reduce my consumption so that others may have enough.

 

Laura Stark, Participant

JustFaith opened my eyes to the poor with a heart of compassion!  I can clearly see that I am a sister to all, the oppressed and the oppressor.

 

Tim Taugher, Catholic priest

The people from my parish talk about their hearts being transformed, their way of thinking being transformed, their spirituality being transformed.  Now their lives are committed to justice and the spirituality of justice.

 

Dan Divas, Pastor

I would call it the new Pentecost.   But, the reality is, it is these (JustFaith) people who are willing to come together, question the questions, and look at the issues, make some changes, and challenge things. It is a Pentecost, it's a new life, it's energy. It has changed the parish, it has changed me.

 

Pat Bowles, Participant

JustFaith was an avenue by which I could discover who I am/am not, explore simplicity, define a life purpose, develop a social consciousness, experience compassion, build community, and rediscover prayer.  JustFaith was a life-changing course of study; it awakened the Spirit within me and opened my mind and heart.

 

If you would like further information please call Deacon Keith Davis or Linda McDowell in the parish office at 623-566-8222.