PEORIA HEIGHTS — “Transforming Hearts for Justice,” a social justice workshop featuring Jack Jezreel, is planned for Sunday, Sept. 25, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (lower level), 904 E. Lake Ave. It will begin at 1 p.m.

A wine and cheese gathering will follow.

Jezreel is the author of JustFaith and the executive director of JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith is a 30-week process designed to help people “study, explore and experience Christ’s call to care for the poor and vulnerable.”

The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in JustFaith, as well as its “graduates.” Information about groups that are forming this fall will be available.

“The beauty of the program, from my point of view, is it offers the church’s very rich tradition of living out the Gospel and serving others,” said Sister Rachel Bergschneider, OSB, pastoral associate at St. Thomas and coordinator for the workshop.

“It helps us understand more clearly the needs of others throughout the world,” she explained, noting that St. Thomas has had seven groups go through JustFaith. “It broadens one’s vision to understand what’s going on throughout the world.”

In the Diocese of Peoria, JustFaith is a joint effort of Catholic Charities, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services.
In addition to St. Thomas, parishes that have experienced JustFaith include Blessed Sacrament in Morton; Holy Family, St. Ann’s, St. Jude’s and St. Mark’s in Peoria; Holy Trinity and St. Patrick’s Church of Merna in Bloomington; St. Pius X, Rock Island, and St. Maria Goretti in Coal Valley.

Catholic Charities, Blessed Sacrament and the Peoria-area parishes are sponsoring the Sept. 25 event.

“Jack is a very inspiring, dynamic speaker,” Sister Rachel told The Catholic Post. “My hope is that it will bring people together who have had this experience, who have really found it to be a valuable experience, and for him to share the wisdom he has.”

There is no cost to attend “Transforming Hearts for Justice,” but a free-will offering will be accepted. To register, contact Sister Rachel by Sept. 22 at (309) 688-3446.