| JustFaith Q and A | ||
| JustFaith Workshop - The Call |
What is JustFaith? JustFaith is a conversion-based process that seeks to provide a context in which participants can grow in their commitment to care for the vulnerable and to become advocates of the Church’s call for justice. It broadens the options available to those interested in expanding their social ministry efforts. JustFaith is an extended justice education program that meets weekly and employs 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 you really think people will commit to such a long process? Yes, actually thousands of people all over the country have committed to this process and have found it very rewarding. The power and attraction of JustFaith comes from the fact that it has provided a practical, proven strategy for empowering people to become thoughtful, energetic agents of the Church’s efforts to create a more just world. It has changed a lot of people’s lives. And this, in turn, has made some parishes’ efforts in social ministry really come alive. How does JustFaith work? The program’s intent is to provide a tapestry of learning opportunities that emphasize and enliven the remarkable justice tradition of the Church. JustFaith typically includes 30 weekly sessions, two weekend retreats and four Saturday hands-on experiences. It employs books, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer, and small faith-based community building. Participants are exposed to not only 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. Where will the program be offered in the area? Programs are ongoing at various local parishes in the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. For information on upcoming JustFaith programs you can contact Jerry Young the Director of Human Rights Office, email young@diocesekcsj.org or phone 816-756-1858 extension 534 Is this just for Catholics? While the program presumes a Catholic context, Protestant and ecumenical groups have used JustFaith successfully. What organizations are affiliated with JustFaith? JustFaith works in partnership with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services
What is the workshop all about? The workshop covers the theological tradition on which JustFaith is based, stories of the impact of JustFaith, and instructions on how parishes can implement the program. Attending this introductory workshop does not commit one to the JustFaith program. Who is conducting the workshop? Dan Driscoll. Dan has worked with parishes, schools, and community organizations on spirituality and justice issues for over 15 years. He has been a social worker, parish youth minister, teacher, diocesan director of parish social ministry, and diocesan director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. He worked as an editor at Ave Maria Press in South Bend, Indiana for four years, and is the founder of Good Shepherd Montessori School, where he currently serves as head of school. Dan has facilitated workshops and spoken on peace and justice issues at the local, state, and national levels. He served on the national leadership team for the parish social ministry section of Catholic Charities USA and has served on the national board for JustFaith. A graduate of The Catholic University of America, Dan holds a master of divinity from the University of Notre Dame. Dan authored several articles on prayer and family life, and his first book, Daddyhood: This Changes Everything!, was published in 2002. Dan and his wife, Felicia, are raising five children in South Bend. What does the workshop cost? $10.00 (includes lunch) – Make check out to “Diocese of Kansas City - St Joseph. When and where is the workshop? When: Saturday, July 7, 2007, 9:00am – 4:00pm (registration 8:30 - 9:00) Where: St. James Catholic Church, 309 South Stewart Road, Liberty, Missouri 64068 If people can’t attend the introductory workshop, who can they call to learn more? Locally, people can contact Jerry Young, young@diocesekcsj.org, 816-756-1858 extension 534 or they may contact Chris Breu at chris@justfaith.org or (502) 429-0865. People can also learn more online at www.justfaith.org. |