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• Introduction
• JustFaith
• JusticeWalking
• College JusticeWalking
• JustMatters Modules
• Engaging Spirituality

Programs

JustMatters: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is JustMatters?
• What topics are explored through the JustMatters modules?
• What is the general format and length of the JustMatters modules?
• Do participants need previous JustFaith Ministries or social justice experience?
• Who are the JustMatters modules designed for? Who should participate in these modules?
• What do the JustMatters modules cost?
• What size should a JustMatters group be?
• What are the key elements of the JustMatters modules?
• What should a participant expect at the end of a JustMatters module?
• What are others saying about the JustMatters program?

What is JustMatters?
JustMatters is an expanding series of formation materials from JustFaith Ministries. These materials, called modules, allow participants to focus on a current, social issue and/or justice issue and to become agents of God’s compassion and healing in a wounded world.

Doing a JustMatters module is not doing “the short version of JustFaith.” The modules are not designed to provide either the depth of material or the same quality long-term community transformation that is the hallmark of the 30-week program.

What topics are explored through the JustMatters modules?
The present modules cover the topics of climate change, prison reform, the federal budget, immigration and nonviolence. There is also a module on forming small communities of faith. Two additional modules coming soon will cover spirituality and ecology and ending torture.

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What is the general format and length of the JustMatters modules?
All of these topic-focused modules follow the same basic format as the JustFaith program—i.e., opening and closing prayer, readings, videos, speakers and dialogue. Each module includes six to eight sessions, and each session is approximately two and a half hours long.

Most of the modules also include space for a guest speaker on the topic and may encourage a “border crossing” or immersion experience where participants can have direct contact with people who are most effected by the issue being explored.

Do participants need previous JustFaith Ministries or social justice experience?
Participants do not need to have participated in any JustFaith Ministry program or social ministry program prior to participating in a JustMatters module.

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Who are the JustMatters modules designed for? Who should participate in these modules?
The modules are designed for people who are seeking to learn more about a specific topic through dialogue with others, including those who might have different opinions or outlooks on the topic. They are designed for those who want to both (a) give some sustained attention to a specific area of social concern or social ministry (some with special emphasis on Catholic social teaching), and (b) move toward engaged action related to the topic.
JustFaith graduates will find these resources particularly useful in engaging other parishioners in the study of current issues and effective action strategies. JustMatters participants may find this experience a compelling springboard into the JustFaith program.

What do the JustMatters modules cost?
Registration for a group for most of the JustMatters modules is $150. The group also will need to purchase some videos and DVD, and each participant will need to purchase some books. The costs for the videos and books vary with each module and are listed on the JustMatters flyer (PDF).

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What size should a JustMatters group be?
JustFaith Ministries recommends that a group be approximately eight to fifteen people.

What are the key elements of the JustMatters modules?
All JustMatters modules, like the other JustFaith Ministries programs, focus on the skills of dialogue and active listening. Each module/program is designed to increase one’s understanding of the topic and to encourage participants to use the call of Scripture to identify some action steps that address the topic.

Module/program facilitators are not experts on the topic or there to push their point of view; they are there to keep the dialogue moving and focused and are also learners in the process.

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What should a participant expect at the end of a JustMatters module?
Participants who fully engage the dialogue and actively listening to others in the group should expect to have a deeper understanding of the topic. Participants should not expect, however, to be given “the answer” to any particular issue. Also, each module ends with a call to action, hopefully collective action by the group.

What are others saying about the JustMatters program?
Feedback on modules varies with the topic, but the following are general comments about JustMatters …

“Many of the JustFaith graduates who participated saw the module as a ‘shot in the arm’ to reignite their previous JustFaith ideas and practices.”

“Even those who had not done the JustFaith program remarked how their eyes were opened … and they were inspired by the module to begin making different lifestyle choices.”

“We found the module to be inspiring, motivating, and great for community building.”

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