Programs
JusticeWalking: Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the process?
- How long are the sessions?
- Can JW be adjusted for tight schedules and school calendars?
- Who is the ideal J-Walker?
- What is a “good” size for a JW group?
- What about mature, younger teens?
- How much will it cost?
- What about additional resources?
- What does it take to be a Coordinator?
- How does JW fit with youth ministry or Confirmation?
- What about credits and service hours?
- What about liability and safety issues?
- Does JW connect with the national church and reflect Catholic teachings?
- How do we find the time when our lives are already so busy?
- How can I find out more about JW?
How long is the process?
J-Walking requires a minimum of 3 months if groups decide to meet weekly. Otherwise the process can be extended to cover a 6-month period and groups meet twice monthly.
How long are the sessions?
There are 12 sessions and each session lasts 2 hours. Every other session takes place at a local social service agency. JW also includes one overnight and one (day-long) retreat, as well as a weekend immersion pilgrimage. The total time commitment, over the course of 3–6 months, is around 50 hours.
Can JW be adjusted for tight schedules and school calendars?
JW coordinators are empowered to adapt the process to local parish, school or diocesan contexts. JustFaith Ministries’ staff offers guidance throughout the process.
Who is the ideal J-Walker?
This is NOT for everyone! JW forms small community with older teens (11–12th graders) and a few committed adults. J-Walkers are personally invited or nominate themselves for the process. These are people who are asking deep questions, concerned about social realities, and looking to make Gospel choices with their lives.
What is a “good” size for a JW group?
JW is an intensive spiritual process, co-facilitated by younger and older participants. The ideal JW group has 7–12 people, with at least 5 young people, and no fewer than 2 adults.
What about mature, younger teens?
Motivated young people, who have made a connection with realities of poverty or injustice through study service or ministry experiences, are excellent JW candidates. It can be appropriate to invite one or two highly-interested younger teens to join a more senior group.
How much will it cost?
An annual payment of $225 gives your parish or school access to the JusticeWalking comprehensive materials and consultation. All materials are transmitted through a secure webpage upon registration.
What about additional resources?
J-Walkers read 2 books and use a J-Walker Journal. Combined, these cost about $30/$35 per student. Each group will need one DVD, one resource book and one music CD. Combined, these should cost around $60. JW resources can be purchased through Sowers Books and Videos. J-Walkers should contribute toward these costs.
What does it take to be a Coordinator?
JW coordinators should be adults (over 21 years old) with a passion for justice and profound respect for young people. They should also be people who are trying to live with integrity and deepen their commitment to the Gospel vision of peace with justice.
How does JW fit with youth ministry or Confirmation?
This process is NOT intended to replace, but rather to enhance, existing youth formation initiatives. JW is a specialized, small-group conversion process for interested youth and adults, NOT a large-group (or classroom) education or formation program.
What about credits and service hours?
JW is an elective process and no one should be required to participate. Schools could offer JW as an elective or an after-school activity.
What about liability and safety issues?
All JW adults are expected to comply with the liability trainings and protocols of their home dioceses.
Does JW connect with the national church and reflect Catholic teachings?
JustFaith Ministries works in partnership with Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, Bread for the World, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and Pax Christi USA (see the Partners page). JW materials are laced with Catholic social wisdom and the process is steeped in “engaged” Catholic spirituality.
How do we find the time when our lives are already so busy?
JusticeWalking is a significant commitment, but we know that transformation takes time.
How can I find out more about JW?
Explore this site, call 502-429-0865, or send an email to
What is JusticeWalking?
- Overview of Justice Walking (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Promotion Flyer (PDF)
- Testimonies
- Sample Session
Interested in starting a JusticeWalking Group?
- Getting Started (Word doc)
- Meeting@the Margins(PDF)
- Coordinators Guidelines
- Registration: PDF | Online
Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.