JustFaith Ministries forms, informs, and transforms people of faith by offering programs and resources that sustain them in their compassionate commitment to build a more just and peaceful world.

OICESOICESSUMMER > FALL 2014 VVThe Seeds of the Gospel Sown in Good Soil, JustFaith Reaps a Good Harvest Fiona Grant, graduate of the JusticeWalking program “Other seeds fell on good soil And yes, I am also surrounded by opportunities to act. Every day I have access and brought forth grain, some a to increasing amounts of information, and hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. I see countless ways to be involved in social change. Theoretically, if I made the effort, I Let anyone with ears listen!” could become active in every peace and justice (Matthew 13:8) community within 100 miles. “I must not be really trying,” I tell myself. Sitting in gridlock, In 2009, together with a group of young I ask, “Why do I continue to go about my people from my parish, I completed the daily life – go to work, go home, spend time high school JusticeWalking program. Since with friends and family – and focus on my then I have wrestled with the call and the own personal happiness?” responsibility to address the needs of the world around me. Tim Goldman, a 2010 JustFaith program graduate, faced the same tension. “I finished As so many of you who are graduates of a the JustFaith program and entered a process JustFaith Ministries program, I find myself of discernment,” he told me. He, like me and constantly asking, “What do I do now?” The many program graduates, was profoundly answer seems obvious. Countless people have affected by his JustFaith program. “JustFaith said that if you expose people to the truth, shattered my notions about the poor. Prior they will act. This begs the question, how and to JustFaith, I dismissed the poor by taking We do not do with whom do we act? Scripture out of context. I thought that I see my call to action everywhere. I see it as I because Jesus said ‘the poor will always be the work of the walk through my city, crossing the boundary among us,’ I could dismiss their plight as into those parts of town where the car doors something that was too big for me to respond Gospel alone. must be locked. I see it as I make infrequent to in a meaningful way.” visits to the mall and observe consumer Tim’s words resonate with me. The world This is the work culture at its source. I even hear it buried in spins around me, a mix of unjust systems built the words of some of my friends, in their basic before me and far too large for me to affect, of community. assumptions and expectations. let alone change, by myself. So, why not accept that the poverty around us is simply a part of the nature of humanity? Did You Know? A UN report by the IPCC shows EDITORIAL CONTENT PROVIDED BY: that “Climate Change Will Deepen Poverty, Hunger.” www.ipcc.ch

Read more on this topic, pages 5-6, and register for the JFM climate change module! Tim’s initial perception of poverty was Tim began his gardening in 2009, at the to local food pantries, a welcome addition to transformed by his JustFaith Ministries onset of the financial downturn. At this time, the pantries’ usual inventory of canned good experience: “Thanks to JustFaith, I came to the need for the garden was great. Many items. the realization that the Gospel calls us again were losing their jobs and often their homes. So, how does someone launch this kind of and again to take action, to know the poor Tim and Mark’s garden work and produce project, and how are they able to sustain it among us, to ease their suffering, and to fit perfectly into the community’s need. In for so long? After almost 15 years, how is work against injustice. The JustFaith program response to this need, Mark and Tim received Tim able to help this garden thrive? From the encouraged me to get to know the people I permission to make the garden even larger. outside it may appear simple, but maintaining was initially uncomfortable around, people With community hands and effort, the garden a garden – sustaining any project for that who were different from me, and to see our grew from 2,500 sq ft to an acre in three years. matter – is hard work. commonality.” The next step involved finding volunteers to What strikes me most about Tim’s story is the It wasn’t just a shift in perspective that the work the soil. Tim discovered that when you community that grew out of this project. We program offered Tim. JustFaith left him invite people to garden together, they feel do not do the work of the Gospel alone. This with “the notion that I had to take personal closer to God. A community grew up around is the work of community. JustFaith Ministries responsibility to address social ills.” Personal the garden, beginning with JustFaith program programs form small communities, but where responsibility, those words strike at my graduates and expanding to include members do we find that community when the program core. My own JusticeWalking experience has of the broader community. Local Catholic is complete? taught me that it is both my calling and my high school students, elementary students, and responsibility to work for a more just world. volunteers from 12 area churches have joined Tim’s experience demonstrates that one or This expectation weighs heavily on me. the original garden volunteers. This year a two graduates can form new communities refugee gardening program has been added, around the projects they undertake. This is the Tim’s discernment began slowly. “I prayed and refugees from across the world have good soil ready for the seeds of the Gospel. and I waited patiently,” he said. He stayed joined the gardeners. Last year more than 300 As a young person now in college, I am still involved in St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, volunteers worked in the garden. Often there searching for that community in which I can his parish in Des Moines, Iowa, and soon got are more volunteers than jobs available. root my energy. I continue to respond to the to know a parishioner, Mark Marshall. Mark challenge of finding that communal soil and had been tending a small parish garden at his The garden produces tomatoes, lettuce, I constantly ask myself, and encourage you church for many years. Called the “Faith & asparagus, and peppers, along with sweet to ask yourself, “How am I called, and with Grace Garden,” the produce from the garden potatoes, cantaloupe, and corn. Volunteers whom?” was freely given to church members in need of tend the soil – hoeing, weeding, watering and help. “I started helping Mark by doing some irrigating – feeding the earth with natural You may have stories to tell about the good ‘contemplative hoeing’ in the garden as part of “worm tea” fertilizers, and finally, harvesting. soil that JustFaith Ministries has nurtured in my discernment,” Tim said. He was quickly This year, the gardeners hope for a harvest of your community. If so, send your stories to drawn into the practice of gardening. almost 16,000 lbs. This fresh produce will go [email protected].

VOICES FOR GRADUATES AND FRIENDS SUMMER > FALL 2014 p.2 Decent Jobs and the Search for a Common Good by Tom Malloy, www.usccb.org/cchd Policy Advisor, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

As JustFaith graduates, facilitators, and unemployment rate Our economy will supporters, we are all familiar with the is double the national not fix itself. A just seven themes of average) can lead to more, Our economy will economy must be built, – our shared values for promoting human and larger, problems in nurtured, and protected. flourishing and building a just society. One of the future. This alarming not fix itself. A just This requires an active those themes is the dignity of work and the reality should trouble us voice demanding better right of workers, something Pope Francis sees and compel us to act, economy must be job opportunities for as vital to rejecting the “throwaway culture” as Archbishop Thomas everyone, especially that can consume us. Wenski of Miami, chair the unemployed and of the Committee on built, nurtured, underemployed. It means Catholics believe that since humans are made Domestic Justice and standing in solidarity imago dei (in the image of God), work should Human Development, with our neighbors and affirm our human dignity. It should also and protected. notes in this year’s Labor others to ensure safe work provide workers with the resources to support Day Statement (http:// environments and decent themselves and live in a dignified manner, bit.ly/1kOtPib). wages. start and support families, and contribute to the common good. However, this Labor The common good has been breaking Getting involved in efforts to raise the federal Day a lot of us probably share the feeling that down. The evidence is all around us: minimum wage – as well as state or local decent work – work that pays a just wage with campaigns – is one effective way to help low- adequate protections – is increasingly out of • Rising and excessive economic inequality income workers and build a just economy. reach for many people. • Falling marriage rates and increased A minimum wage is an insufficient, yet necessary, step to making sure workers are Lack of decent jobs at just wages is family instability treated fairly. Catholic bishops in the United harming people and families. The declining • Failure to enact comprehensive States have supported the minimum wage unemployment rate obscures the reality that immigration reform since World War I. much of the decline is attributable to people giving up looking for work rather than those • Persistently high child poverty By taking this small step, we commit to actually finding jobs. Moreover, a substantial and hunger rates genuine encounter and dialogue with number of jobs pay low wages and do not • Falling median household income our neighbors and reject the “economy protect workers. As a result, more workers of exclusion” that Pope Francis decries in struggle to make ends meet, and family • Political polarization and paralysis Evangelii Gaudium (53). stability falters. If we hope to reverse this, we must embrace The crisis of decent work is especially the rights and responsibilities Catholic noticeable among young adults, whose teaching says we all have in building a just lack of economic opportunity (the youth society.

For over forty years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been empowering people to claim their voices and be agents of change in their communities. Visit the interactive map at povertyUSA.org (in ‘County Level View’) to find out what CCHD is doing in your local community, and see how you can lend a hand. CCHD Recognizes New Leader in the Fight Against Poverty by Genevieve Mougey, Poverty Education & Outreach Manager, www.usccb.org/cchd Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development

Dr. Bethany Welch has As she is examining both the micro and macro levels of the issues in been awarded the 2014 order to combat poverty, Bethany hopes to build relationships and Cardinal Bernardin New provide opportunities for the community. She identifies systemic Leadership Award. She is injustice as being a root cause of poverty; she also cites lack of access the founding director of to social services based on geography and education as a leading cause. the Aquinas Center – a “Leadership training and organizing efforts increase the capacity of multicultural, multilingual immigrants and allies to advocate for comprehensive immigration immigrant parish center reform. This model bears witness to our values. Everyone has dignity. located in Philadelphia, Everyone has gifts to share.” PA. The center opened in The award is designed to highlight and recognize new and future January 2013 with a mission leadership against poverty and injustice, promote young people as to build unity in diversity, leaders in their communities, honor outstanding young leaders and support learning, and their organizations/parishes, and finally, to strengthen the Catholic inspire thoughtful action. community’s participation in CCHD’s anti-poverty mission. With great excitement, Bethany shares how the The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is pleased to honor Aquinas Center found a Bethany as a New Leader in the fight against poverty in the United States. Dr. Bethany Welch is the recipient of the 2014 home: “The adaptive re-use Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award of a former convent for this To learn more about how you can be involved, visit our website at work represents the kind of www.povertyusa.org or www.usccb.org/cchd creativity and stewardship of church property that we need to combat the effects of poverty, blight, and discrimination in our communities. The space hosts shared meals and collaborative work projects. Intentional dialogue puts people of different backgrounds side by side, creating what Pope Francis calls a ‘culture of encounter.’” In recognition of the many young people who work to eradicate Bethany’s vision is a poverty at its roots, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has honored young adult leaders for over 15 years with the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin community of disciples (1928-1996) began his ministry at a young age and was ordained a bishop while still in his thirties. In his role as the first bishop named General Secretary of the NCCB/USCC, he nurtured the vision for the and neighbors who CCHD and helped to shepherd it through its first years. He remained a strong supporter of CCHD while serving as Archbishop of Cincinnati and Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago. recognize one another Bethany continues, “Cardinal Bernardin worked to build bridges across ethnic, class, and age barriers. Aquinas Center is sitting at the and will help to bring about intersection of the very same issues Cardinal Bernardin confronted. Every day we welcome neighbors and guests from very different backgrounds and experiences who desire to be in relationship with transformation in one another.” Bethany’s vision is a community of disciples and neighbors who recognize one another and will help to bring about transformation her local Philadelphia in her local Philadelphia neighborhood. neighborhood.

VOICES FOR GRADUATES AND FRIENDS SUMMER > FALL 2014 p.4 Live Simply, Respect Earth, www.maryknollaffiliates.org Share Abundance www.maryknolllaymissioners.org www.maryknollsisters.org by Judy Coode, www.maryknollsociety.org Communications Director, Office for Global Concerns

In September, “Creation is not a activities have greatly The archbishop said that preventing or representatives of the contributed to the mitigating the impact of climate change on world’s nations will gather property, which we can recent warming of the those who are most vulnerable “will require in New York to attend the earth’s surface and that more than economic allocations and policy- 2014 Climate Summit, rule over at will; or, even climate change as well setting.” He said that the world must help which will come one year as its consequences will promote a different culture guided by the before the agreed-upon less, is the property of continue into the future,” values of compassion, respect, solidarity, and deadline for a global Archbishop Zygmunt a commitment to justice. climate agreement. The only a few: Creation is a Zimowski, president of Maryknoll missioners work around the world Summit is intended to the Pontifical Council for in communities where both the effects of be a galvanizing event, gift, it is a wonderful gift Health Care Ministry, climate change and the effects of a fossil-fuel- with participating told members of the based economy are being felt. nations scrutinized on that God has given us, World Health Assembly their proposed climate in Geneva on May 21. In El Salvador, rural communities suffer protection measures. so that we care for it and serious health problems from routine exposure According to a Catholic (President Obama’s June to dangerous agricultural chemicals. Farmers News Service article (May 2 announcement of the we use it for the benefit are ill-informed about the risks posed by these 22, 2014), the archbishop U.S. commitment to cut chemicals and the correct precautions to take of all, always with great noted that climate change emissions from existing in using them. In response to this widespread will affect the air, water, power plants was an public health issue, Maryknoll Lay Missioner respect and gratitude.” and food supplies people opening move in this Peg Vamosy, a horticulturalist, trains farmers depend on and aggravate round of forward-focused to instruct other farmers in the use of – Pope Francis, May 2014 “health problems that actions.) organic fertilizers, pest controls, conservation already exist,” including practices, and native seeds. In doing so, she Taking advantage of this gathering of world climate-related diseases. Furthermore, he helps farmers and their families become leaders, organizers within the environmental urged us to “look beyond the purely scientific, less dependent upon purchased agricultural justice movement have planned a People’s medical, and economic issues related to inputs and to enjoy greater food security and Climate March/Global Day of Action. They climate change and come face to face with the healthier living environments. Next year, Peg expect this major public event – to be held persons whom it most affects.” People who will join another project, sponsored by the in New York City (and in other international are impoverished are the most vulnerable to local Catholic deanery, to address additional locations) on September 20-21, 2014 – to be climate change because they “cannot afford environmental issues such as watershed the largest environmental rally in history. protective structures to shield them from preservation and the harmful effects of extreme forces of nature and have little or no The has issued strong mining. (Read more about Peg and her work resources to arrange for temporary shelter and statements on the issue of climate change: here: http://bit.ly/1jPz03A.) continued on next page other basic necessities once their homes have “There is overwhelming evidence that human been severely damaged or totally destroyed.”

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns has inaugurated a new monthly e-newsletter, Find out about the 350.org Learn more about the Encounters, which shares stories about the People’s Climate March/Global Day of Action 2014 Climate Summit challenges posed by current economic models on September 21-22 in New York at its website: and shines light on hopeful ways communities and other areas here: www.un.org/climatechange/ are responding to protect human dignity and www.peoplesclimate.org climate-summit-2014/ God’s beautiful Creation. Read more here:

www.maryknollogc.org/encounters Maryknoll Lay Missioner and horticulturist Peg Vamosy (top row, far left) works with farmers in San Salvador to build a contour ditch for soil and water conservation. continued from previous page consumption, and energy use. The impact of of more just, sustainable, and viable models Many faith communities high oil prices has already been felt around of business and community organization. the world, most painfully by poor people and These include producer and worker are actively helping their low income communities. In many cases, food cooperatives, land trusts, community-owned and water crises threaten their very futures. utilities, worker-owned firms, community members learn to live more The solutions proposed thus far, including development financial institutions, nuclear energy and agrofuels made from plants community-supported agriculture, local simply, share their abundance, used for food, are problematic and would currency, and barter systems. Some of perpetuate an environmentally unsustainable these are beginning to assume a scale that and develop a sense of economic model. could have a major positive impact on our common future. respect for the earth and The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns’ Faith-Economy-Ecology project (http:// These and other yet-to-be-discovered forms responsibility for the use of maryknollogc.org/faith-economy-ecology) of sustainable economic organization can reports that in face of this reality: make an important contribution to a future that is freed from dependence on natural resources. Many faith communities are actively fossil fuels, that encourages socially and helping their members learn to live environmentally responsible lifestyles, Today, the dependence on extractives (metals more simply, share their abundance, and and that nurtures human security for all. that are used as components in so many develop a sense of respect for the earth Concrete examples like these can provide accessories of modern life – e.g. cell phones), and responsibility for the use of natural a solid base of experience from which to the reality of climate change, and the end of resources. Some religious traditions have a develop effective national and international cheap oil demand a radical transformation long history of sharing property and wealth policies. of existing systems and patterns of life and of promoting mutual accountability. related to transportation, food production and marketing, water use, manufacturing, At the same time, many secular communities have worked to build examples

VOICES FOR GRADUATES AND FRIENDS SUMMER > FALL 2014 p.6 October is Fair Trade Month by Kimberly Mazyck, www.catholicrelief.org Relationship Manager, National Partnerships

Fair Trade Month is a fantastic way for Let your Fair Trade Month be a time to For all information on CRS Fair Trade, visit a community, parish, or school to come focus on building stronger relationships www.crsfairtrade.org. Some materials are together in support of fair with community leaders available for shipping free of charge. A number trade. There are many ways Let your and organizations while of materials are also available in Spanish. to introduce your parish to promoting fair trade fair trade, increase awareness, Fair Trade Month education. and encourage activities in If you are planning to launch an awareness Remember CRS sees our support of fair trade during be a time to focus work in fair trade as an effort, CRS has a number of resources you the month of October. effort in solidarity with our can download and use at www.crsfairtrade. One way to build on building stronger brothers and sisters overseas org/fair-trade-resources/print-materials/ commitment in your and here in the United community and parish is relationships with States. Each year, CRS On this resource page, you will find: to educate your priests and community leaders hosts trainings for CRS 1. A template for a letter to your priest, community leaders. You Fair Trade Ambassadors. introducing the idea of fair trade. can do this through one- We have trained over on-one meetings. You can and organizations 150 Ambassadors who 2. A guide to hosting a Fair Trade Event. also conduct presentations work in their parishes and at parish outreach while promoting communities to promote 3. Case study materials for introducing organizations, in classrooms, fair trade education. CRS Fair Trade partner your community to the impact of and even at parishioners’ products and effective fair trade on farmers. workplaces. This focus on advocacy. education should help close the gap between If you are looking for a way to connect with awareness and understanding of fair trade, farmers and artisans overseas, CRS Fair Trade while empowering everyone to find ways to promote fair trade. is a great avenue for this type of connection.

We practice virtues to cultivate habits and values that draw us closer to Christ as we grow in discipleship. We can practice virtues through one-time actions, by exploring their depth in our prayers, or by integrating life-changing practices into our daily life. Consider these words about the virtue of patience: Let us think of our personal relationship, in this week: How patient has Jesus been with me in my life? Just this. And then the words will rise from our hearts: “Thank you, Lord! Thank you for your patience.” – Pope Francis Patience is the willingness to wait, to allow God’s revelations to unfold in our lives at God’s pace and not our own. It is openness to sitting in uncertainty, and it is acceptance of the unknown future ahead of us. It is the ability to move to the rhythm that God sets for our lives rather than forcing a rhythm ourselves. Patience is waiting not with frustration or annoyance, but with hope. How might you include the practice of patience in your daily life? Exploring virtues is a central feature of the GoodNewsPeople program. To see what GoodNewsPeople is all about, watch the video at goodnewspeople-jfm.org. Calling all Enthusiastic Gardeners by Kimberly Mazyck, www.catholicrelief.org Relationship Manager, National Partnerships

As summer comes to a close, the season of technical skills to promote economic growth of well-trained professionals in a variety of autumn approaches, and those of us who and ample food production overseas. By program areas. The Farmer to Farmer program savor the heat of the summer in our gardens sharing their skills, volunteers will improve supports your efforts so that you can make a lament the end of this time outside. We get productivity, access new markets, and promote difference in the lives of those you serve. ready for the changing foliage and the end environmental conservation abroad. of the harvest, and we prepare to spend the We are not looking for volunteers with Ph.D.’s longer evenings inside. As we do so, we may CRS is looking for individual volunteers from or specific language skills, although some of consider whether or farms, agribusiness, these qualifications may come in handy. The not we have skills to Farmer to Farmer represents cooperatives, and Farmer to Farmer program seeks individuals offer our sisters and universities in the who are enthusiastic about traveling overseas brothers overseas. As a a cooperative exchange and United States. We to share agricultural and other technical skills member of CRS staff, expect to see our with farmers in East Africa. You will not be I often pause when partnership between farmers volunteers – from paid for your time, but your expenses (e.g. someone asks me if master gardeners, airfare, vaccinations, lodging, meals, and he or she can help in East Africa and volunteers to large-scale crop in-country transportation) will be covered. In with CRS programs farmers, to ranchers – addition, we expect you to share the highlights overseas. I do not have a range of skills. of your experience when you return. from the United States. In addition, we hope want to discourage the So, as you pull on that sweater shielding honest offer and earnest desire to assist people to find volunteers from the full diversity of American agriculture yourself from the brisk fall air, visit www. overseas. Thanks to a partnership with USAID farmertofarmer.crs.org to download an (United States Agency for International – processors, input suppliers, marketers, financial experts, and cooperative experts. application and learn more about this Development,) there is an opportunity opportunity to travel to East Africa to share to work overseas: the Farmer to Farmer Currently, CRS has 500 projects in East your skills. program in East Africa. Africa, primarily in rural areas of Ethiopia, More than just a partnership between CRS Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. CRS has been and USAID, Farmer to Farmer represents a working in East Africa for 60 years on a wide cooperative exchange and partnership between variety of community-based initiatives that farmers in East Africa and volunteers from the directly impact the lives of poor communities. Farmer to Farmer United States. This program is an opportunity Our volunteers will be for volunteers to provide agricultural or other surrounded by a long-standing network

Photos courtesy of Sara A. Fajardo,

VOICES FOR GRADUATES AND FRIENDS SUMMER > FALL 2014 p.8 The Moral Scandal of Hunger

by Billy Kangas, www.bread.org Catholic Relations

“We shall awaken dullness and rise vigorously toward justice.” – Hildegard of Bingen Hunger is a human reality that affects lives in This teaching has continued into our current institutions withhold our food from his hands. every place in the world. All humans need food age and has gained new gravity. The Church Each child that dies from malnutrition is a to live, and all societies struggle to make sure of the 21st century has had to wrestle with a form of sacrilege. Each mother who cries out that the right to food is extended to all people world that now has the resources to feed every for food but finds no relief testifies against us. within their care. One of the powerful forces person yet still allows millions to die each I am guilty of this grave sin. in helping bring food to people all across the year from starvation. In Pope Benedict XVI’s world is the work of the Church. encyclical Caritas in Veritate, this moral crisis is I am a member of one of the world’s richest laid out: The central concern for feeding the hungry is nations and have a voice that can influence rooted in the ministry of Jesus himself. On the “Feed the hungry is an ethical imperative policy, yet too often I am silent. The effort of hills of Palestine nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus for the universal Church, as she responds picking up the phone, or a pencil, to let my first gathered his disciples. When the disciples to the teachings of her Founder, the Lord policy makers know that hunger is a priority

noted that those around him were hungry, Jesus, concerning solidarity and the sharing that matters to me is an inconvenience, and so I remain inaudible and ineffective. Jesus had compassion on them and sent his of goods. Moreover, the elimination of world followers to “give them something to eat” hunger has also, in the global era, become However, in the midst of this grave sin there (Matthew 14:16). In fact, the table became one a requirement for safeguarding the peace is also great hope. of the central settings for Christ’s own ministry: and stability of the planet. Hunger is not Around the table Jesus taught others (Luke 14). so much dependent on lack of material In 1990, 2 out of every 5 people suffered from Around the table Jesus served (John 13). things as on shortage of social resources, serious malnutrition. Today that number is Around the table Jesus offered grace (Matt 26). the most important of which 1 in 5. Hunger has been halved. This amazing Around the table Jesus healed (Luke 14). are institutional.” progress has been due, in large part, to faithful Around the table Jesus was revealed as risen (CARITAS IN VERITATE, 27) Christians who have taken the time to let (Luke 24). leaders know that feeding the hungry is an The issue of ending hunger is no longer an essential value that should be pursued. The table has remained a central place for the issue of scarcity; it is life and ministry of the Church. Generation an issue of justice. The We are living in an after generation, leaders in the Church would Church is now faced with The issue of ending unprecedented point call the people to find their ministry rooted addressing what Benedict hunger is no longer an in history. Experts now anew in gathering around the table to be calls the “institutional” believe that if we can fed and to share the life they found together shortages which keep issue of scarcity; it is make ending hunger a by feeding the hungry. One of my favorite people hungry. Pope priority for world leaders examples of this is seen in the preaching of Francis has called this an issue of justice. in the next year, we can John Chrysostom: situation a scandal, stating: actually see an end to world hunger by 2030! “Of what use is it to weigh down Christ’s “It is well known that present production All it would take is the Church to cast off the table with golden cups, when he himself is is sufficient, and yet millions of persons drowsiness of complacency and lift her voice dying of hunger? … Apply this to Christ continue to suffer and die from hunger, toward justice. I pray you will consider lifting when he comes along the roads as a pilgrim, and this is a real scandal... In this regard your voice for the hungry. Make this a spiritual looking for shelter…Do not, therefore, I would like to remind everyone of that discipline and an element of your discipleship adorn the church and ignore your afflicted necessary universal destination of all goods this year so that we might live in a world brother, for he is the most precious temple which is one of the fundamental principles where, for the first time in history, all are fed. of all.” (On the Gospel of Matthew, of the Church’s social teaching. Respect for Hom. 50) this principle is the essential condition for facilitating an effective and fair access to Similarly, Basil offers the wisdom that, “The those essential and primary goods which bread that you store up belongs to the hungry” every person needs and to which he or she (Homilies). In these words the fathers instructed has a right.” the Church to view what they hold as a gift to be gifted. The Christian’s bread is always to be In short, we are in the midst of a grave moral broken and shared. The hungry are always to crisis. The world produces enough food for be viewed as icons of Christ to be cared for. all people to eat, but people still starve. Christ is hungry all around the world, but our Excerpted from the Still in the Storm Blog, a spiritual resource provided by JustFaith Ministries.

Making the World Better Bend To Now and in Benevolence the Future JustFaith Ministries envisions a vast community of faithful people, transformed by the Spirit and leading extraordinary lives of compassion. This is the vision to which we have committed ourselves. You are not here to verify, In the firefly glow of your brief beautiful life Our work leads to engaged people, energized Instruct yourself, or inform curiosity will you let your pulse beat out a blessing parishes, love-in-action, structural changes, and Or carry report. You are here to kneel. in the darkening day? better lives for those who have suffered poverty T. S. Eliot and injustice. Begin with benevolence. Bend into it. This important work happens, in part, through the Incline your life toward the good. Embracing benevolence financial support of graduates of our programs. and with a good will, give it away to You and many other graduates make all these means leaning into life everything in the arc of your gaze. with unrestrained loving-kindness. outcomes happen. You inspire others to work to make a difference in people’s lives. Work your eyes and heart in pursuit of the good. For it is good will that leads Thank you to all of you who sent in a gift in Focus not on the flaw or the lack, response to our recent spring appeal. Your to well-being and pursuing good for others but seek out the glimmer of a desire deeper increases our capacity to care. than darkness. gifts were very meaningful, and most of the contributed dollars were matched and doubled by a large family foundation. If you still want to Seed the very air with breathy blessings But love your enemies, do good, and lend, respond, we have attached an envelope for your expecting nothing in return. till your life becomes a benediction, Your reward will be great, willing and wanting the well-being of each convenience. and you will be children of the Most High; and all. If you are not yet a donor, please consider who is kind to the ungrateful and the joining other graduates in support of this wicked. And all shall be well and important work of growing compassion and Luke 6: 35 All manner of thing shall be well commitment to meet the needs of the world. By the purification of the motive Finally, thank you to those of you who have In the ground of our beseeching. included us in your charitable bequests to help T. S. Eliot secure a future for this ministry. It is rather simple to designate a gift from your estate. You can designate a specific amount or a percent of your estate, stocks, or securities to JustFaith Ministries. You can also list us as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. Charitable bequests are easy to establish, and you can change them if circumstances change. Become a follower of Still in the Storm. Visit the JustFaith Ministries blog site at For more information, contact Chris Breu at www.stillinthestorm.wordpress.com [email protected] or 502-649-0126. If you would like to receive a blog posting every other week in your email inbox, Thank you so much for making click the button that invites you to follow this blog. so much good happen!!

VOICES FOR GRADUATES AND FRIENDS SUMMER > FALL 2014 p.10

tes o Faith is a verb. If you have comments, ideas or suggestions If you have comments, digital or if you would like to share for an article, of JustFaith in action, pictures groups Ministries [email protected] please contact: From From Jack N It’s all about mission. It’s campus. In the smelly places, at the margins, campus. In human engagement, of and in the adventure for each other. embrace and care it,And then, and only then, in the doing of faith. know we’ll

This caution is actually a precious reminder. reminder. a precious This caution is actually when face distraction and temptation We the know We heads. get caught up in our we the Scriptures read Catechism and/or we’ve Meanwhile, attend the sacraments. and/or we to the world. The poormy life means nothing do not us, and we know and vulnerable do not the un-housed, them. The unemployed, know good do not have the unfed, and the hopeless still are to them because we news preached sitting in the sanctuary – or the kitchen. are And what can happen is that those who starvedare Those who hungry stay hungry. for food and attention continue to suffer. starvedAnd those who are for meaning activities, and purpose keep doing religious and ponderous oblivious to the great lived that is connected with life adventure just polishing the silverware. Faith is a verb. is a verb. just polishing the silverware. Faith we’ve is that The challenge for our churches been too long satisfied to stay on campus Francis and polish the parish silverware. Pope that finds faith offis begging for a church on mission. Berry Wendell I once heard adapt words To and sweat; work is like hard speak: Mission actually quite satisfying. it, it’s into once you’re do ever you of it before is the dread It Comfortanything that causes the trouble. and mission, to adventure, security seem preferable staring and compassion, but only when you’re and holy the outside. Great from at the Gospel comfort. by people always seem bored missing if we’re what we’re know don’t We

To join, sign up at To justfaith.org/graduates graduates of our programs with JustFaith Ministries provides timely resources through our GradNet email.

GradNet Tiimelymely reesoursourcceses fforor oourur ccommunityommunity of ggrraaduatesduates

what is my life’s mission? is my life’s what in conversation and community is simply this: is simply community and in conversation

for ourselves in prayer and for each other each for and prayer in for ourselves The question that most of us have to answer to answer us have of most that question The

enter the kingdom of heaven, but only theenter the kingdom of heaven, everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will Lord,’ everyone who says to me ‘Lord, us spends our time. Jesus cautions, “Not “Not cautions, us spends our time. Jesus The question is about how each one of The question is about how “I love Jesus,” “I have enlightened opinions.”) enlightened opinions.”) “I have Jesus,” “I love words (“I believe in God,” “I’m a Catholic,” a Catholic,” “I’m in God,” (“I believe words Warning: the question is not primarily about Warning: what God do the hours in my day worship? what God work, orientation, passion, love? In effect, In passion, love? orientation, work, (Mt 7:21). what is my life’s mission? What is my life’s What is my life’s mission? what is my life’s in heaven” one who does the will of my Father conversation and community is simply this: and conversation for ourselves in prayer and for each other in in prayer for ourselves The question that most of us have to answer The question that most of us have It’s all about mission. Faith is a verb. Faith all about mission. It’s and bear Good News. News. and bear Good ability to transform, bring life, speak truth, self-preoccupied and, frankly, impotent in its and, frankly, self-preoccupied identity and Sunday commitments becomes identity and Sunday of God – the language of membership andof God us Jesus’ passion for a vision called the Reign for a vision called the Reign passion us Jesus’ Without mission – without holding before Without the missing and critical piece – mission! problem with the language of membership is with the language problem property, or with Sunday commitments. The commitments. or with Sunday property, question itself, or with a parish owning or with a parish owning question itself, course, there is nothing wrong with the is nothing wrong course, there mostly happening on parish property. Of parish property. mostly happening on related to a set of Sunday commitments, to a set of Sunday related This language can speak to identity oftenThis language can speak the danger of a static understanding of faith.the danger of a static Catholic?” for example – has embedded in itCatholic?” for example The language of membership – “Are you “Are – The language of membership SUMMER > FALL20 14 NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED TWO TIMES ANNUALLY BY: P.O. Box 221348 Louisville, KY 40252 JustFaith Ministries P.O. Box 221348 Louisville, KY 40252 502-429-0865 www.justfaith.org

OUR MISSION JustFaith Ministries forms, informs and transforms people of faith by offering programs and resources that sustain them in their compassionate commitment to build a more just and peaceful world.

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An Invitation to a Spiritual Journey of Compassion

Maryknoll Lay Missioners, in collaboration with JustFaith Ministries, is offering two exciting immersion opportunities for 2015: EL SALVADOR, MARCH 20 – 29, 2015 (deadline for signing up is November 21, 2014) and KENYA, JUNE 13 – 25 (deadline for signing up is December 15, 2014)

Through these trips, JustFaith Ministries program graduates have the opportunity to experience a spiritual journey into compassion and an immersion into the lives, culture, faith, and history of the people of El Salvador and Kenya. JustFaith Ministries encourages all program grads to start saving now in order to take advantage of these opportunities to discover what you could never learn through books and films.

As one JustFaith grad stated about her participation in last year’s trip to Kenya, “This experience has made me more aware, more grateful, more compassionate for needy people in my community, and more loving and hopeful for all of God’s great diverse human situations and challenges.”

Learn more at: www.friendsacrossborders.org/trips/justfaith-ministries-immersion/