Archdiocese
of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
MINUTES
September 10, 2005
The Pastoral Center, Portland
Present: Archbishop John G. Vlazny,
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, and Members: Clint Bentz, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers,
Mother Francine Cardew, Thom Faller, B.J. Finleybranch, Michelle Forster,
Sr. Ruth Frank, Fr. Don Gutmann, Ray Houghton, Rick Nelson, Pat Ridenour,
and Deacon An Vu
Staff
Present: Todd Cooper & Fr. Chuck Lienert
Not Present: Jesus Bojorges, Bruce
Heldt (E), Eloisa Hernandez (E),and F.J. Maloney (E), Francisco Peña,
Diane Peterson (E) and Fr. Dick Rossman (E)
The eighteenth meeting of the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council (APC) was called to order at 10:05am by the council vice
chair, Clint Bentz. Council chair, F.J. Maloney was absent.
Pat Ridenour led the opening prayer.
The minutes from the February 5, 2005 meeting
of the APC were approved as written.
The agenda was reviewed and accepted.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Clint Bentz reported. Mike Scott, APC
representative for the South Coast Vicariate sent a letter of resignation
to the archbishop. Family health issues have been preventing him
from being actively involved in the work of the council. In addition,
Mike and his family are planning to move to the Portland area from Coos
Bay in the near future. Mike’s replacement on the council will be
Eleanor Myers from Our Lady of the Dunes Church in Florence. Eleanor
was the runner-up to Mike by one vote in the South Coast Vicariate elections
at the 2003 Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly.
Former council chair, Bob Lowry, has also
resigned from his duties on the APC. Bob is pursuing a vocation to
the priesthood. In a written statement to council members, Bob explained
that after much prayer and discernment, he is entering a formation program
with the Companions of the Cross, an order of priests based primarily in
Canada with a mission of evangelization throughout North America.
Bob gave careful consideration to the Archdiocese of Portland, but decided
to take his first step with the Companions. He promised to keep the
council and its work in his prayers. Bob was serving as a directly
appointed member of the council.
A list of the meeting dates for 2006 was
handed out. Meetings will be held on the following dates in 2006:
February 4, April 22, September 30 (changed from Sept. 23), and December
2. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly will take place November 10-11,
2006. The final meeting for 2005 is scheduled on December 3.
ARCHBISHOP’S REPORT
Funeral Practices
The Presbyteral Council has recommended
to the archbishop that a common set of funeral practices be established.
Informational brochures in English and Spanish will be produced – one for
families and another for funeral directors. The Sacramental Practices
Committee will begin discussion of Confirmation.
Class Action
The Class Action letter which was sent to
peoples’ homes has caused some confusion. Members of the class will
not be personally financially liable in the settlement of the sex abuse
cases.
Hurricane Katrina Relief
Catholics responded generously in giving
donations for the victims of the recent Hurricane Katrina.
Annual Appeal
The goal of $3 million in pledges has been
met for the Annual Appeal. Next year’s goal will be $3.15 million.
There is discussion of adding greater incentives for parishes in reaching
their goal.
Da Vinci Code
Next year will see the release of a
new movie based on the book “The Da Vinci Code.” The popular work
of fiction has been a source of much misinformation about the Catholic
Church. Pastors are looking at the release of the new movie as a
“teaching moment”.
Vocations
The archdiocese has thirteen new seminarians
this year. Eleven are at Mt. Angel, one is in an English language
program at PSU and another is at Bishop White Seminary in Spokane.
Men from the diocesan missionary society in Argentina have established
a community in Corvallis. A priest and lay minister were sent to
join the two other seminarians who were already in the diocese. The
group is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Portland. Mt. Angel Seminary
broke ground for its new academic center. The seminary will hold
its annual benefit dinner at the end of October.
Diaconate Ordinations
Four men will be ordained as deacons
on November 5, 2005. Those men receiving ministries and candidacy
will do so in the same ceremony. This will create one large group
rather than having separate events.
Priests
The Priests’ Convocation will begin on October
10 in Newport. The convocation has traditionally been a good time for priestly
fellowship and learning. All priests reported for their new assignments
on July 1.
Sexual Abuse Scandal
The archbishop has been assured by mediators
that his staff and attorneys have been representing the Church very nobly
and professionally. The latest round of mediation has been difficult.
Cases which appear questionable make the mediation particularly challenging.
A major hearing on diocesan assets will be held on October 11. The
archdiocese must file a bankruptcy reorganization plan in mid November.
An audit for compliance with the sexual abuse charter will begin on October
31.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is developing a new center
for housing at Powell & 28th Ave.
Ember Day
Please pray and fast on September 28 for the
victims of sexual abuse. That Day has been established as the Archdiocesan
Ember Day for this fall. The archbishop will lead prayer and benediction
at Christ the King Parish in Milwaukie at 7 p.m. that evening.
The Year of the Eucharist
The archbishop is continuing to promote monthly
Eucharistic adoration and benediction in parishes. He hopes this
practice will continue even after the formal conclusion of the Year of
the Eucharist. Benediction is a wonderful prayer opportunity for
people, especially those who cannot receive the Sacraments.
Synod of Bishops
Portland will be well-represented at
the upcoming Synod of Bishops in October. Two former archbishops
of Portland will be official participants: Francis Cardinal George
and Archbishop William Levada.
Catholic/Jewish Relations
This year marks the fortieth anniversary
of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council and of the document on
ecumenism, Nostrae aetate. December 1 at the Cathedral there will
be a joint celebration of the document by the Catholic and Jewish communities.
Respect Life Sunday
The first Sunday in October is Respect Life
Sunday. The archbishop is encouraging priests to preach about life
issues on that date.
BANKRUPTCY REPORT
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan reported. The Tucson
bankruptcy case was settled quickly because they were not dealing with
the extent of the estate question, which has really complicated things
here in Portland. The recent decision in Spokane to include real-estate
as part of diocesan assets has caused consternation, but it does not bind
the judge here. Oregon has different trust laws. Spokane has
appealed the decision. The current focus of the Archdiocese of Portland
has been the mediation. The committee of parishes continues its work.
The class action emphasizes that we all have a stake in the outcome.
Regardless of the rulings however, there will be no individual, personal
liability as a result of the class action. The goal of the archdiocese
is to offer just compensation to victims while at the same time continuing
the mission of the Church.
Insurance companies have demanded incredible
amounts of documents. The diocese in turn is demanding any insurance
related documents from parishes. A reorganization plan must be filed
by mid November. Part of the plan may include separate incorporation
of parishes. Any plan filed must be accepted by the court.
How long will everything last? It depends upon the success of the
mediations and the rulings of the court. At this point, over 100
claims have been mediated. The judge has indicated the possibility
of establishing a universal claim amount.
Vicariate Reports
Vicariate representatives were given two minutes
to summarize their vicariate meetings.
Clint Bentz
Albany-Corvallis/Santiam
The Santiam Vicariate meeting was very
positive. Faith formation discussion included talk of family retreats,
continuing Disciples in Mission small groups and opportunities for adult
education. With regard to youth & young adult ministry, someone
asked about what happened to the Chancellor’s Club. The vicariate
likes the idea of highlighting certain liturgical feasts to promote multicultural
ministry. Multicultural ministry is an attitude – Are you my brother?
Are you my sister?
The Albany/Corvallis meeting also
went well. The vicariate is well organized and even has its own website:
www.fivechurches.com. The vicariate feels that good public relations
is important – including use of T.V. commercials. Catholic radio
is good in Portland, but there are no repeaters down the valley.
Faith formation should highlight service opportunities. The Christian
program, Young Life, could serve as an example for Catholic youth ministry.
Both Santiam and Albany/Corvallis wanted
to have large, vicariate events with the archbishop to celebrate being
Catholic and as a public display of faith to send a message that the Church
is still strong.
Thom Faller
Beaverton Suburban
All of the vicariate pastors were present,
with about twenty-two members in all. The pastoral plan had been
sent out ahead of the meeting for review. The implementation strategies
were discussed and commented upon at the meeting. Each of the faith
formation recommendations was endorsed. Acknowledge the need for
additional staff & provide the office with needed resources.
Focus on quality. Multicultural ministry is huge and the need is
obvious. APC recommendations seem to speak primarily to Hispanics,
but should address all cultures. Another vicariate meeting will be
planned for the fall to discuss the APC results.
Michelle Forster
Columbia County/Middle Coast/North Coast
Michelle represents three different
vicariates. Faith formation ideas included vicariate level retreats
(sharing resources) and creating pamphlets on faith & adoration.
Education from the pulpit was seen as important as was use of the media
to promote the Catholic faith. A resource list of people who offer
retreats would be helpful. International food festivals are a good
idea for multicultural ministry, as is offering petitions in different
languages. Missions and retreats and more involvement in each other’s
liturgies & sharing of music can help build multicultural connections.
More than one youth convention each year was suggested as were vicariate
youth gatherings. Parent-based programs are important. The
turnover in youth ministry is a big concern. How can we keep our
ministers to youth? Training & pay are important. Life
Teen is successful & has the element of entertainment which kids want.
B.J. Finleybranch
Northeast Portland
Parishes were given a survey to aid discussion.
For faith formation, lay witnesses were stressed. Retreat resources
should be developed, including identifying lay leaders and providing better,
low or no cost places for parish retreats. For youth & young
adult (Y&YA) ministry, bilingual coordinators are important and they
should be knowledgeable about other cultures. Theology on Tap and
Life Teen should be promoted. Youth ministry training should be provided
and getting youth involved in the parish should be promoted. A multicultural
handbook should be made available as a resource. Parishes should
provide Spanish language classes. Each parish should develop a multicultural
calendar of feasts and holidays to recognize different ethnic groups in
the parish. Parishes should utilize parishioners from different cultures
to provide sensitivity training.
South Coast
Fr. Don Gutmann reported for the vicariate.
Six of seven parishes were represented and twenty-four people attended.
Faith formation should be a combination of head knowledge and heart conversion.
Good promotion and publicity is important for the success of faith formation
programs. Best practices were shared. Faith formation is strong
in the South Coast Vicariate. St. Monica’s has lectionary based small
groups as a follow-up to Disciples in Mission. 100 people participated
in Lent of 2005. Bandon has a weekly dinner with religious education
and RCIA at which half of the parish attends. Florence has a quarterly,
intergenerational faith formation gathering that attracts over 100.
Brookings has a bible study and basic theology class. The vicariate
urges better use of the media to promote the faith. Volunteer training
for Y&YA ministry is important. Many small parishes combine religious
education and youth ministry. Teams from the diocese could be trained
to go to smaller parishes to train youth ministry volunteers. Life Teen
and youthful liturgies should be promoted. Better use
should be made of existing resources. In the South Coast Vicariate,
multicultural ministry primarily means Hispanic. English as a second
language (ESL) classes should be offered. Spanish language bulletin
inserts could be used. There is not enough Hispanic staff.
Training of Hispanic leaders needs to happen. Personal invitation
works best. Should the South Coast Vicariate offer another Spanish
Mass? Only one is currently offered – in Coos Bay.
Rick Nelson
Southern Oregon
The annual meeting was held at St. Rita’s
Retreat Center on May 19. Another vicariate meeting will take place
next week. Brainstorming best practices is good. There is a
large number of Catholics who are Hispanic in the vicariate. A diocesan
program for adult catechesis in parishes would be helpful. The vicariate
has discussed adding a youth representative to its council. It also
wants to support St. Rita’s Retreat Center. Perhaps a promotional
video could be made. Vocations development in parishes should take
place. There have been some shocking incidents of racism in some
of the parishes. Illegal aliens are not viewed as people by some
and they are unwelcome. Education on Catholic social teaching is
needed. The question was posed: “Are we Catholics the happen to be
Americans? Or are we Americans that happen to be Catholic?” Most
converts make better sense of the faith than cradle Catholics. The
Just Faith program is a good one.
Ray Houghton
West Portland Suburban
The meeting was held at St. Anthony’s Parish
in Tigard on June 22. It included reports from each parish pastoral
council chair, a review of the APC priorities and discussion on the committee
of parishes – bankruptcy issues. Vocations are an important issue
for the vicariate. Life Teen kicks off this weekend at Our Lady of
the Lake. Prison ministry is moving forward in the vicariate.
The Leap of Faith youth program has been extremely successful. A
vicariate planning session will take place in November to give substance
to the three pastoral priorities in each of the parishes and determine
how to implement them.
Pat Ridenour
Yamhill County/Marion County
The Yamhill County Vicariate meeting
lasted two hours. What can the archdiocese do for us that we are
not already doing for ourselves? If something is already working,
don’t meddle with it. The outlined faith formation initiatives are
fine, but don’t put it back on the parishes. What is the diocese
going to do? The communications office should work together with
youth ministry to create good faith formation videos for youth. Use
short videos about difficult issues that can be used as an entrée
into deeper discussion. Develop a list of resources identifying good
musicians, retreat leaders and speakers. Use radio and T.V. (like
Fr. Mike). Promote Theology on Tap for young adults and “coffee shop” discussions
for high school kids. A multicultural website would be a good tool.
Have a counter to track if it is being used. Resources are important,
including materials and people. Questions were raised about what
the diocese is doing to reach out to fallen-away Catholics. More
communication is desired from the archbishop about the bankruptcy and the
sex abuse scandal.
The Marion County Vicariate met in late
April – too soon to review the APC proposals. The multicultural ministry
subcommittee provided the following input: “How will the recommendations
be evaluated for success?” Input should be from the bottom up, not
just the top down. The multicultural handbook would be a good tool.
Language classes are important for success, both for priests as well as
non-English speaking Catholics. St. Mary’s in Mt. Angel has a three
year pastoral plan into which it will incorporate the pastoral priorities.
LUNCH – 12:05pm to 1:00pm
PEACE AND JUSTICE REPORT
David Carrier, Director of the Office of Justice
and Peace for the Archdiocese of Portland, reported to the council.
David outlined four education and faith formation programs that are being
promoted through his office. These included Journey to Justice, Communities
of Salt and Light, JustFaith and The Footsteps of Jesus (see APPENDIX A).
For parishes not actively involved in social justice activity, the Communities
of Salt and Light program is perhaps the best. The Footsteps program
has more of an educational focus, whereas JustFaith and Journey to Justice
place emphasis on a conversion of heart toward the poor. Journey
to Justice incorporates small groups and develops a community to do social
justice work. It helps a parish create a social justice mission.
One of the most effective means of promoting social justice has been putting
Catholics in touch with their brothers and sisters in need. Wherever
personal stories of hardship and injustice can be shared, Catholics are
often moved to take action.
The Church is celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the Vatican II document Gaudium et spes. This Pastoral
Constitution on the Church in the Modern World declares that the Church
is at the service of humanity and is an agent in promoting the dignity
of the human person, life and solidarity with the poor. Social Justice
is part of our identity as Catholics – not just something we do.
If social justice activities are not a part of parish life, there is something
missing.
David referenced a recent letter
sent out by Archbishop Vlazny. In the letter, the archbishop invites
parishes to develop the Catholic Social Mission by taking part in educational
and faith formation programs such as those being promoted by the Office
of Justice and Peace. Learning about the principles of social justice
and putting those principles into action is a critical element of the Church’s
evangelizing mission.
Upcoming events sponsored by the
Office of Justice and Peace include the Tobin lecture in October, an Advent
retreat to develop a social justice spirituality and the Peace Together
conference in Lent. Archdiocesan Pastoral Council members were asked
to promote these activities and opportunities in their parishes and vicariates.
During the discussion period following
the report, council members encouraged the J&P Office to network with
the permanent deacons. It was also recommended that the office look
for ways to appeal to more traditional Catholics. The social justice
work of the Church is often associated with those who are identified as
liberal and this can serve as a deterrent for those who otherwise may want
to get involved. Social Justice that operates within the realm of
faith and rises above the level of mere politics will appeal to a wider
group.
PASTORAL PRIORITY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Faith Formation at All Levels
Thom Faller reported for Diane Peterson.
There were only minor adjustments to the Faith Formation Subcommittee proposals.
After a review of the proposals, brief
discussion by the council highlighted two points. Regarding the adoration
proposal, increased and sustainable adoration in parishes is the goal.
Regarding the retreat proposal, not only priests and deacons, but also
religious and other lay persons should be identified who are qualified
to lead retreats.
The following ideas were accepted and
recommended:
1. Focus on the Sunday Eucharist
as the primary means of faith formation at all levels. Encourage
“teaching homilies” on specific Sundays (e.g. teach about the Eucharist
on the feast of Corpus Christi, or about the sacrament of reconciliation
on a Sunday in Lent). Provide resources for and encourage pastors
to explain certain parts of the Mass during the liturgy or to offer “teaching
Masses” that help the faithful better understand the celebration.
2. Provide resources for and encourage
parishes to form or continue small faith-sharing groups (similar to Disciples
in Mission groups) that are centered on the Eucharist.
3. Encourage and assist parishes in the
promotion of spending personal time with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament outside of Mass. Provide such opportunities at the parish
& vicariate level. Encourage the establishment of perpetual adoration
chapels where possible.
4. Provide resources for and encourage
parishes to offer retreats that are centered on encountering Christ.
Identify priests, deacons and lay people who are qualified to lead retreats
(e.g. Fr. Chun). Provide a list of retreat centers; include inexpensive
options.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Ray Houghton reported. The proposals
to support Theology on Tap and Life Teen remain unchanged. Several
convictions held by the subcommittee led to the development of the other
proposals. A baseline of information is needed to assess the current
state of youth programs in parishes. Diocesan field visitation to
help parishes is critical to the health and establishment of good youth
ministry. A healthy “fun factor” is often missing from Catholic youth
ministry. The most successful programs and events tend to be those
which mix good fun with good spirituality. Parent participation in
youth ministry must increase! If we do not reach the parent, we will
not reach the child either. In order to get parents involved, sound
the horn that kids are at risk. Would an endowment or grant be possible
to increase youth ministry staff? Is there a religious person who
could serve as a resource for ministry to youth?
The council discussed the proposals.
Regarding the promotion of Life Teen, it was noted that it is only presented
as an alternative to other possibilities and that not every parish is expected
to do it. Not every parish will have the necessary resources to establish
the program. Adding a Sunday evening Mass is hard on priests, but
some have been willing to do it in order to have the program. Dropping
an earlier Mass time in order to add a later one is a healthy approach.
It was also pointed out that kids today
are extremely busy. The Church needs to go where the kids are.
Why not add a faith formation element to Catholic Youth Organization sports
programs? Would that be possible? The parents who are with
their children might benefit as well. The council liked this idea
and so added it as a ninth proposal to what the subcommittee presented.
After its discussion, the following ideas
were endorsed by the council:
1. Promote and support Theology
on Tap as a faith formation program for young adults. Add leadership
training and weekend retreats that integrate peace and justice work with
faith formation.
2. Promote Life Teen as an option for parish
youth ministry programs where adequate resources exist.
3. Promote fun faith programs like the
Leap of Faith ropes course to bring youth together.
4. Investigate the recruitment of Religious
men & women as resources for YYA ministry.
5. Create a one-year YYA awareness campaign
outlining “The Risk of our Catholic Youth at the Crossroads.” Encourage
parental involvement in faith formation of their children.
6. Research possibility of long term endowment
to fund salaried Youth Training Director assigned to geographical areas
of highest priority.
7. Establish parish visitation & training
program through the YYA Ministry Office in 2006.
8. Add reporting of YYA ministry parish
metrics to Archdiocesan Annual Report.
9. Add a faith formation element to CYO
sports events.
Multicultural Ministry
Pat Ridenour reported. Some of
the elements in the subcommittee’s previous proposal were changed.
The subcommittee added the new idea of holding a symposium to define the
vision of multicultural ministry for the archdiocese. The additional
proposals were grouped as before into three major categories: Education,
Language and Justice. Under education, the idea of a multicultural
handbook had evolved into the idea of the development of a website that
would serve as a living, multicultural resource for pastoral ministers.
Discussion by the council included talk
about the importance of developing multicultural leadership. This
led to the addition of proposal number five below.
The following ideas were accepted and
recommended:
1. Hold a conference or symposium
to define the vision of multicultural ministry in the archdiocese.
Gather representatives from the different ethnic groups and consultative
bodies in the diocese and invite a qualified speaker to facilitate the
process.
2. Establish a website that will serve
as a multicultural resource, especially for pastoral ministers. Include
info on each ethnic group and its respective feast days, devotions, traditions,
images and history. Include links to other resource sites.
Designate someone to monitor and update the site. Site should be
offered in different languages. A committee should be formed to help
develop the site and determine what info should be included.
3. The Pastoral Center should be a model
of multicultural ministry. Priority should be given to hiring bi-lingual
employees at the archdiocese, especially in pastoral ministry positions.
4. Provide language opportunities for English
and non-English speakers. Offer language classes for pastoral ministers
where they serve. Encourage lay parishioners to teach English as a second
language (ESL) at parishes.
5. Identify, encourage and seek the help
of the leaders in different cultural groups within parishes.
6. Through the Justice & Peace Office
and Catholic Charities, create awareness in our faith communities of the
plight of fellow Catholics who are immigrants and are impoverished.
Arrange forums where people can share their stories.
Supply info on current legislation and its impact on people.
The meeting concluded with a prayer
led by Thom Faller.
NEXT MEETING: Saturday December
3, 2005
from 10am to 3pm
at the Pastoral Center
(2838 E Burnside St, Portland)
Office of Justice and Peace
Education and Faith
Formation Programs
please contact justiceandpeace@archdpdx.org
for more information
Journey to Justice
Building Relationships of Solidarity
with the Poor and Disadvantaged
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
resolved in November 1970 to lay the groundwork for building
community and relationships of solidarity
between the economically advantaged and those who are
disadvantaged. The Catholic Campaign for
Human Development was created to implement that vision.
The Journey to Justice retreat prayerfully
acknowledges the struggles of those who are poor, puts
human faces on poverty, breaks down myths
and stereotypes, recognizes our obligation as disciples to
respond to those in need, opens hearts
to the process of spiritual conversion, practice reconciliation, and
strategize effective ways to act compassionately
and justly to the needs of the poor. Journey to Justice
aims to “effect a conversion of heart,
a growth in compassion, and sensitivity to the needs of our
brothers and sisters in need.” The process
strives to create relationships that reflect the biblical
principles of economic and social justice
and educate the economically advantaged about the
circumstances that create poverty.
The Journey to Justice process includes
one pre-session workshop, an immersion experience among
people in poverty, and one post-session
workshop. During this experience, participants are led through
prayer, scripture, reflection, and Catholic
social teaching, however the key portion of this retreat is
devoted to an encounter with the poor
that is guided by a Catholic service agency such as Catholic
Charities, Catholic Campaign for Human
Development, or St. Vincent de Paul. The encounter instructs us
about our own spiritual poverty and constructive
ways we can establish relationships based on love and
compassion. The goals of Journey to Justice
are a deepening of personal faith, understanding the
justice dimension of our faith, building
relationships based on justice and compassion, and developing
leadership at the parish level.
Communities of Salt and
Light
Implementing the Social Mission
of the Parish
In Communities of Salt and Light the
U.S. Bishops state, “We have written major pastoral letters on
peace and economic justice and issued
pastoral statements on a number of important issues touching
human life and dignity. But until now,
we have not addressed the crucial role of parishes in the Church’s
social ministry… We are convinced that
the local parish is the most important ecclesial setting for sharing
and acting on our Catholic social heritage…
We see the parish dimensions of social ministry not as an
added burden, but as part of what keeps
a parish alive and makes it truly Catholic. Effective social
ministry helps the parish not only do
more, but be more- more of a reflection of the gospel, more of a
worshiping and evangelizing people, more
of a faithful community. It is an essential part of parish life.”
Communities of Salt and Light is
a reflection guide, video, and parish resource manual that seeks to
strengthen the social mission of the parish
by bringing together the principles of Catholic social teaching,
pastoral experience, and examples of parish
level best practices. The workbook provides a general
framework that helps parishes assess and
explore resources and practical ways they can create and
implement successful social justice ministry.
The ideas and strategies suggested there can be
implemented by Parish Councils, religious
educators, or parish Social Justice Committees.
Office of Justice and Peace
- Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
2838 E Burnside St. - Portland,
Oregon 97214
Phone 503-233-8361
Fax 503-234-2545
Office of Justice and Peace
Education and Faith Formation Programs
please contact justiceandpeace@archdpdx.org
for more information
JustFaith
A Formation Strategy for Promoting
Parish Social Ministry
Developed by Just Faith Ministries in collaboration
with Catholic Charities, Catholic Campaign for Human
Development, and Catholic Relief Services,
JustFaith is a conversion-based learning process that seeks
to integrate personal spirituality and
social ministry. The extended program of education and faith
formation provides an opportunity for
Catholics to study and be formed by the justice tradition articulated
by the Gospels, the Church’s historical
witness, and Catholic social teaching. Participants are not only
exposed to a substantive and thorough
course of study but also form community with other participants
and share a journey of faith and compassion
that is both challenging and life-giving. The aim of
JustFaith is to empower participants
to develop a passion and thirst for justice and to express this
passion in concrete acts of parish social
ministry. JustFaith is a tool that has proven over and over again
to be an effective strategy for training
and forming parishioners to be agents of social transformation. For
a complete description of the program,
visit www.justfaith.org.
Just Faith programs are being offered as
a multi-parish collaboration sponsored by the Archdiocesan
Office of Justice and Peace. Several groups
have formed in Beaverton and Portland parishes beginning in
the Fall of 2005.
The Footsteps of Jesus
Catholic Social Teaching and the
Social Mission of the Church
What is the Catholic Social Mission, and
how is it relevant to my personal spiritual life? The U.S. Catholic
Bishops said: "We highlight one essential
dimension of the lay vocation which is sometimes overlooked or
neglected: the social mission of Christians
in the world. Every believer is called to serve 'the least of
these', to 'hunger and thirst for justice',
to be a 'peacemaker.' Catholics are called by God to protect
human life, promote human dignity, to
defend the poor, and to seek the common good. This social
mission of the Church belongs to all of
us. It is an essential part of what it is to be a believer."
The Footsteps of Jesus is a four
part workshop on Catholic social teaching that includes prayer,
scripture, study, and reflection on the
relationship between the gospels, the Church’s social mission, and
our personal spirituality. Guest speakers
from Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic
Campaign for Human Development, St. Vincent
de Paul, and Maryknoll put all this in perspective by
telling true stories about their lives
and work with the poor and vulnerable, and what it is like to practice
their faith by implementing the Church’s
social mission. The purpose is to understand the seven key
themes of Catholic social teaching, learn
about inspiring examples of how it is being implemented around
the world, and explore ways to put it
into practice in our own lives and church community through works
of charity, justice, and peace. The program
is offered as a one-day retreat or a four-session workshop.
Office of Justice and Peace
- Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
2838 E Burnside St. - Portland,
Oregon 97214
Phone 503-233-8361
Fax 503-234-2545
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