OVERVIEW

The JustSkills: Practices and Tools for Parish Social Ministry program was developed in response to requests by JustFaith graduates for help in developing skills for doing the work of effective social ministry within parishes. This program provides opportunities for participants to learn about practices and tools for social ministry and to be formed in social ministry skills, prayer leadership, spiritual reflection and community building. In so doing, JustSkills broadens and enhances our parish commitment to social ministry and helps make the experience and practice of our faith more life-giving. The JustSkills program is designed for JustFaith grads and those involved in or interested in working with others to develop an effective social ministry program in our parish or church. It is also designed for those looking to enhance their present social ministry program. By June 2008, 25 parishioners will have graduated from the program.

THE PROGRAM

JustSkills consists of twenty weekly sessions and two retreats. In the course of eight months, participants engage in skills building that calls them to action and contemplation, both of which allow the work of social ministry to be done with increased effectiveness, insight and wisdom. Topics for skills development are based on the U.S. Catholic bishops' vision for parishes outlined in their document, Communities of Salt and Light. These topics include: strategies for building effective social ministry within the parish, community organizing, legislative advocacy, leadership development, justice education, prayer leadership, and global solidarity. Participants in the JustSkills program are expected to commit to the following: dialogue and active listening, prayer formation and spiritual reflection; facilitation; weekly reading; attendance at sessions and retreats; and, researching and presenting a key social issue. Participants are also expected to make a commit to support the group.

For further information and/or enrollment in the JustFaith program, please contact Deacon Guy at (310) 312-1358 or at gwauthy@msn.com

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