JustFaith Q and A
Background Information
Jack Jezreel, M.Div., the Director of JF, introduced the program in 1989 while working in a parish in Louisville, Kentucky. It was immediately and dramatically successful. Since then, parishes around the country have had similar results. JF works in partnership with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities USA, and Catholic Relief Services. Over 10,000 people have participated in over ninety dioceses.
What is JustFaith (JF)?
JF 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.
JF 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.
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.
JF 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.
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 JF 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.
Why is St. Michael getting involved with JustFaith? What do you all hope to accomplish?
St. Michael began its involvement with JF in 2002 when the first participants entered the program. Since that time 40 of our parishioners have graduated from the program. JF is a rewarding and challenging way to expose our parishioners to the world around us through the lens of Catholic social doctrine. Graduates have all become engaged in a number of social justice issues as a result of their experience with JF.