Engage JustFaith Graduates in your Diocese Let’s build global solidarity together.

CRS Mission Statement The fundamental motivating force in all activities of CRS is the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to the alleviation of human suffering, the development of people and the fostering of charity and justice in the world. We seek to help U.S. Catholics change their hearts, minds, and live so that, on the basis of faith, they actively transform the world.

A JustFaith Graduate has been formed in… Primary themes: theological, socio-political, and role of Christians in world today. JustFaith focused on: Root causes of domestic and international poverty Effects of global economy Consumerism & sweatshops Relationship between war and poverty Racism Community organizing CRS’s Microfinance

Graduates need you as much as you need them They feel isolated in their church community. They feel they are the only ones working in social justice. They have a passion for justice. Some want to continue to meet in their small groups. Some groups would like help in setting a direction for the group and the parish within the context of the vision of Communities of Salt and Light.

Summary of what you know Now you know there is a group of parish people who have been initiated into the world of social justice and are hungry for more community, transformational education, and action. This is the time to organize, facilitate and create structures/teams/committees to help you do everything you need to do as a CRS DD.

Best Practices Gather JustFaith graduates every quarter. WHY? JustFaith graduates get to know you as a DD. Find common projects to collaborate. Mutual needs of DD and JF grad can be discussed and a course of action can be planned.

Best Practices cont. Gather JustFaith graduates every quarter. WHY? This will build your capacity through possible development of parish and/or diocesan global solidarity committee/team. Grads can share struggles and achievements- builds community in the bigger Church.

How to Gather JF grads Discover JF DD in your diocese and if you don’t know, contact JustFaith Ministries. Meet JF DD and ask DD to provide a list of leaders that may organize and facilitate the Gathering. Have JF grads invite other JF grads, particularly if there are JF II grads. Ensure there is good prayer service and a potluck lunch or dinner.

How to Gather JF grads cont. Ask the core JustFaith organizing team to help develop the agenda, the prayer service and logistics. Invite the CRS Regional Staff to the JustFaith gathering. If you find you need training or information in a particular CRS area then let the CRS Regional staff know. Invite parish leaders who are thinking about bringing JustFaith to their parish.

Capture this Information during the Gathering List of people and their contact information, along with their CRS interests. List of specific areas they can help you with your work in CRS and in the diocese/parish. List of specific areas you can help them in the parish/diocese.

Action/Sharing ideas 1)Global Solidarity Ministry Team- suggest they organize a team or over-arching committee where all possible global projects could fall under- whether ORB, Fair Trade, or legislative advocacy. As the CRS DD, offer your services to help them organize. RECRUITING: Some JF graduates later might be interested in joining a Diocesan committee for Global Solidarity.

Action/Sharing ideas 2.) Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate JF will already understand this concept. Get ministries and then entire parish, then local grocery stores and coffee shops to sell/use FT products. Use FT chocolate as fundraisers for youth, gifts for birthdays and holidays.

Action/Sharing ideas 3.) Work of Human Hands JF will understand this concept. Tell them about the online catalog. Share idea of “Christmas in July” fund raiser, use for Christmas and birthday presents.

Action/Sharing ideas 4.) Operation Rice Bowl If parish involved, thank them for efforts. Talk about projects funded to help them understand international work of CRS. Share that ORB does not have only to be children but can be parish wide event during Lent.

Action/Sharing ideas 5.) Called to Witness and Frontiers of Justice If and Youth Ministers (Called to Witness) or High School Teachers (Frontiers of Justice) in your diocese has been through this program, then invite that person. Discover this through the CRS Regional staff. They might need JF help for projects they are involved in or provide areas of collaboration.

Action/Sharing Ideas 6.) Cyber-Bridges If the diocese is doing this, ask the teacher or students to come in and talk about possible collaboration. 7.) Global Solidarity Partnerships If the diocese has this CRS program or grads would like to begin an overseas diocesan sister relationship, invite the parish involved to come or share about this program.

Action/Sharing ideas 8.) CRS Legislative Advocacy Ask what legislative alert networks they belong to and affirm that. Share CRS legislative alert network. Bring latest alert to share. Bring sign-in sheet for network and pass sign-up sheet around.

What you should walk away with from this gathering List of people and their contact information, along with their interests. List of specific areas they can help you with your work in CRS and in the diocese/parish. List of specific areas you can help them in the parish. Friends who feel comfortable contacting you.

Outcomes Keep in touch with JF facilitator & JF DD over time for possible speaking engagements and in case you need help with recruiting people for the CRS DD Global Solidarity Ministry Team. Any questions and concerns about JustFaith, please contact Christine Smith at or or call