Believe it or not many children will return to school in mid to late August! First impressions between and among teachers and students are very powerful. The beginning of a new school year is often viewed with a bit of anxiety by students, a lot of preparation by educators and hope by parents.    

If educators and parents could prepare a written “wish list” for each student it is a certainty that they would ask that each student utilize the natural gifts God has given to them to advance in knowledge, creativity and faith during the year.  Equally important are prayers that those children who learn differently will receive the special attention they need from educators with patience, love and understanding.   

Your generous donation of whatever you can afford toward the purchase of school supplies and accessories for those who are disadvantaged could go a long way toward making this new school year brighter.

JustFaith Ministries now offers 5 programs for your parish.

(See descriptions below.)
Mark your calendar for one of these Information Sessions on the JustFaith Family of Programs. Sessions are free and open to everyone, not just members of the hosting parish. 

Upcoming Information Sessions on JustFaith Family of Programs

Thu July 22 @ 7pm @ Assumption (O'Fallon)  RSVP to Chris Bimslager

If your parish would like to host an Information Session for the parishes in your area, please email Greg Rohde or call 314.367.5500 x155.

 
JustFaith is a 30 week adult formation program which provides a lively and challenging format for adults to read, pray, discuss, experience, and be formed by our Catholic Social Teachings, Scripture, and our faith tradition.  JustFaith has over 20,000 graduates in 1,000 parishes.  

JustSkills is a 20 session program designed for parishes that want to develop their Parish Social Ministry Commission.  It focuses on leadership development and practical skills and tools for parish social ministry.

JustMatters is a 6-8 week adult education program which focuses on one of eight relevant topics: Faith Encounters the Ecological Crisis, In the Footsteps of the Crucified, Living Solidarity, Crossing Borders, God's Creation Cries for Justice, Prison Reform, New Wineskins, and Engaging Our Conflicts.

Engaging Spirituality focuses on developing one's spiritual life so there can be a balance of contemplation and action.  Over 21 sessions, it offers practices for living deeply (a contemplative life) and loving broadly (a compassionate life).

J Walking has two formats, one for high school (12 sessions) and one for college students (7 sessions).  Each program forms small communities as participants reflect on the Gospel message and the social implications of our Catholic faith.

Inside each depressed person is a person incredibly isolated, repressed and hurt. They never see themselves as beautiful and graceful butterflies bringing joy to a spring garden; rather, they remain the less beautiful caterpillar crawling along to advance.    This is the story of Mariah........

It was one of those storybook mornings with the scent of jasmine from the garden competing with the aroma of pancakes from the kitchen. Saturday mornings in the middle of spring sometime tease the senses and lighten the heart. Yet, for ten-year-old Mariah there was no interest in either temptation. Staying in bed was a safe haven for her and much better than interacting with people or being involved with activities. It was much safer to just gaze out of the window than to get up and out of bed.

Catholic Charities Needs Volunteer Receptionists
Want to make a difference in someone’s life?  If you can spare four hours a week, you can help dozens of people each day who call Catholic Charities.  Catholic Charities is seeking volunteers to answer phones and greet visitors at its Main Office at 4532 Lindell Blvd.  Volunteers are needed for Thursday afternoon shifts (12:30 – 4:30).  For details, contact Greg Rohde at rohde@ccstl.org or 314-367-5500 x155.


Do you enjoy working with children?
Catholic Charities Southside (5880 Christy Blvd, 63116) has a timely need for four volunteers to work with bilingual children from 10 am to noon on Thursdays from now to July 29. Volunteers must be 17 yrs or older. By volunteering, you provide the mothers of these children the opportunity to attend educational classes.  For details, contact Courtney Berg at 314-773-6100 x101 or cberg@ccstl.org.

Now recruiting people with therapy or social work backgrounds to dedicate 10 months to community service through the AmeriCorps!  Members will receive a living allowance, student-loan forbearance, healthcare coverage, and childcare. Click here for more information