Programs
JustFaith: Testimonies
Tim Taugher, Catholic Priest
The people from my parish talk about JustFaith using a term we use a lot—transformation. Their hearts were transformed, their way of thinking was transformed, and their spirituality was transformed. We are talking about a people here that I was familiar with before these last nine months of JustFaith, they were neophytes. They had nothing committed to social justice. Now their lives are committed to justice and the spirituality of justice.
Helene Sparaco, Participant
Never did I plan on such a rich experience such as that provided by JustFaith. It fed and enriched the entire person, intellectually, psychologically, emotionally and practically. The result of this was astonishing. I never really thought that I could make a difference in the world. But I have come to see that one person can effect change. I will never be the same.
Louise Lawarre, Facilitator
With JustFaith, what we found for ourselves, as a parish is that before we were issue oriented. When an issue came up that touched someone’s heart, we would rally energies collectively around that issue. I think that now we are spirituality centered rather than issue centered. We now have a foundation of the spirituality of justice in our parish that not only has a deepening effect for each individual, but it also has a diffusing effect, a ripple effect throughout the parish. So now we have developed depth and diffusion in our parish. This has been the effect of JustFaith in our parish.
Laura Stark, Participant
JustFaith opened my eyes to the poor with a heart of compassion! It encouraged me to face the injustices of the world straight ahead! It had a profound effect on me. Learning how others suffered from policies made by governmental bodies created a vivid picture of a suffering world. As Christ suffered and died then rising to new life so my journey began to grow and deepen with love and compassion. I can clearly see that I am a sister to all, the oppressed and the oppressor.
Sara Kamlay, Participant
Exposure, engagement and expansion best describe what has happened to me as a result of my JustFaith experience. Exposure to the living conditions of those in Third World countries; to the complicated reasons for the existing disparity; to the concealed nature of our complicity in the continuance of this disparity; to the complexities involved in actually trying to address these issues in my own life, as well as that of our nation as a whole; to the difficulty of interpreting the call of our faith (to serve the poor) within the context of the reality in which we find ourselves. And this exposure to a larger view of God’s creation led me to engagement in the building of God’s Kingdom and the expansion of my heart and my faith.
Audrey Anaradian, Participant
JustFaith is such an extraordinarily, enriching experience. It facilitates and provides the environment for a truly transformational experience. I have never had such a powerful inducement in the context of an educational experience to pursue social justice. I recommend this course/program as part of every Catholic/Christian training.
Dan Divis, Pastor
I would call it the new Pentecost. This is what it is. This is what has happened in the lives of so many people and I have a list of things that people have done and what has happened … 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/not, explore simplicity, define a life purpose, develop a social consciousness, experience compassion, build community, and rediscover prayer. As the weeks went by I discovered that my social conscience and inner spirit were being pulled in a direction that was radically different. I became a part of a much wider world of influence on which to challenge the status quo, the underlying principles of injustice, or a peaceful response to violence or the death penalty. JustFaith was a life-changing course of study, a course envisioned by the Creator. JustFaith awakened the Spirit within me and opened my mind and heart.
Chris Bowles, Participant
JustFaith was a process that radically challenged the paradigms with which I had been living. As a result of the experience, I see with different eyes. I have a new understanding of the way social justice issues are interrelated, and a greater appreciation for the statement, “as long as one suffers, all suffer.” It has been 13 years since my JustFaith experience and I still concern myself with living a life immersed in behaviors and choices that reflect my baptismal call to be an advocate for social justice … JustFaith was the initial vehicle that enlightened my ministry.
Joan Perkins, Participant
The JustFaith program gave me a whole new way of looking at my life as a Christian. JustFaith challenged me to move from a preoccupation with the state of my own soul to a compassion for others and a commitment to making a difference in the world through my actions. More than anything, the readings and group discussions opened my eyes to injustices that I never saw before. This seeing-with-new-eyes has led me and my family to make more informed decisions about things as wide-ranging as food choices and lawn care.
Martha Groene, Participant
Being in a group of like-minded people, who were willing to commit to the challenges of reading, discussion, retreats and self-reflection demanded by JustFaith, was a growth filled experience for me. The bonds and trust that developed helped each of us to question our self, our life style, our life direction, and to reveal our deepest hopes to each other. Because of our conversion to new ideas, and because of our growing realization of all that was within our power to do once we had more understanding, we all set out to put to practical use our new insights inspired by a more in-depth understanding of social justice issues. Although we all chose to engage in different social justice issues because of our differing interests and talents, we knew that we had the continued friendship, support, and understanding of our sisters and brothers who had ventured with us.
Janet Mann, Participant
The program Jack developed and shared with our group was exemplary, stimulating, challenging, and far outweighed everyone’s expectations. For me, it was the first deep-level exposure and study into the causes and effects that create injustices and inequities. JustFaith helped me put a human face on the suffering of the world. I started to see how corporate greed and our government’s foreign policies were devastating the environment and oppressing our brothers and sisters globally. I started seeing how my life of “white privilege” is affecting the world around me. The way I choose to live my life has a direct impact on the rest of the world. A new sense of spirituality was awakened in me; a spirituality that had grown stagnant.
Tom Wannemuehler, Participant
I feel that JustFaith has moved me a little farther down the path of being a follower of Jesus. And this momentum was prompted by several aspects of the JustFaith program. First of all, JustFaith materials were presented in a way that stimulated intellectual and spiritual growth. The materials were challenging and the group setting provided plenty of opportunity for shared discussion about conflicts, fears, and hopes. Secondly, JustFaith provided a small Christian community that fostered an atmosphere of trust and a commitment to action. Such a combination encouraged much growth in myself and the other members of the group. And, finally, JustFaith promoted awareness of social justice issues in the world beyond my Church, on the local, state, national, and international levels. We were introduced to activists (prophets!) who challenged us to an awareness of the need for continued learning and action. In conclusion, JustFaith has been a very important part of my faith journey. It has served as the impetus for a job change and for increased activism. I daily struggle with the need to make my faith more than an intellectual exercise. My life, still full of many fears and inconsistencies, is a daily effort to live life as a follower of Jesus.
Judy Vicars, Participant
JustFaith raised my level of awareness and gave me a better understanding of the root causes of injustice. We read inspiring books and had dynamic discussions. It was a very energizing experience. Our group of 16 really bonded as a community during the time we were meeting weekly. It was a very safe place to explore questions and ideas and to grow spiritually. My prayer life has deepened considerably.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you …