JustFaith is an intensive program of reading, videos, study, and reflection on Catholic social teaching.  In addition to weekly meetings, the commitment includes two weekend retreats (the first given here at the church, with people going home at night; the second at a retreat house in May of next year), and four immersion experiences with the poor.  These may include, but not be limited to, a shelter, a soup kitchen, etc.

When we wake up in the morning, we are confronted with the same bad news of violence, crime, wars, and disasters.  Even in these times of modernity, it is clear that life is not safe or respected.  No generation should experience so much turmoil as we face today.  Yet, JustFaith has allowed me to do something with this turmoil by making me aware that I can make a difference even if it is something like helping in a shelter or serving food in a soup kitchen.  I can’t say that I know exactly what to do, but I know I am on the right path ― the path that JustFaith illuminated for me.

Angelica Contreras

JustFaith has taught me to see the world differently.  I see how we are all the same ― not the differences.  We are all human with the same wants, needs, fears, and joys.  As Catholics, we are called to live the Gospel and to be like Jesus to others.  We are part of the same community.  JustFaith gave me the tools and the understanding to live out what Jesus is calling me to do in my small way.

Cheri Hebeisen

JustFaith really reorganized the way I pray, how I see the "poor" and empathize with those who try to help.  How much help is needed!  JustFaith also increased my self-knowledge and gave me humility and a sense of urgency that one must start ASAP, sooner not later . . . no slacking.  Serve the Lord!

Jeannette LaGuerre

These past 30 weeks of the Just Faith experience have allowed me to accept the values and directions I had already chosen and to embrace them more comfortably and wholeheartedly.

My last work experience was as a social worker, which allowed me to help the needy in various settings.  JustFaith has added a strong spiritual and philosophical component to my wish to help the needy directly and to help some to help themselves.  Embarking on this new life of service in a nurturing, like-minded community is very rewarding.  I hope to devote a good deal of time to this new stage of my life.

Isabelle Schimel 

JustFaith has enabled me to understand more fully the relationship of Catholic social teaching to the challenge of poverty and social injustice in my own neighborhood as well as in the rest of the world. It has also made me more aware of my obligation to help my less fortunate neighbors.

The program's readings, videos, and meetings with activists in many fields, as well as discussions among us, the JustFaith participants, have increased my understanding of the causes and structures that create and sustain the misery of vast numbers of human beings.  The materials have also suggested effective strategies for individuals who want to make a difference.

I particularly appreciated the opportunities to engage in direct action in the community.  The experience made real for me the materials that we studied.  I am encouraged to find more ways to continue to serve my church and community more effectively.  Christ said, "Amen, I say to you, as long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me" (Mt 25:40).

Margaret McKenna