JUSTICE: FAIR TRADE
by Eileen Sleva
 
October is Fair Trade Month.
 
“Every perspective on economic life that is human, moral, and Christian
Must be shaped by three questions:
What does the economy do for people?
What does it do to people?
And how do people participate in it?”
—Economic Justice for All
 
As Catholics, we are called to ask these three questions about all of our economic activities. Fair Trade offers us the opportunity to answer them in ways that honor core principles of Catholic Social Teaching on economic justice. Through our purchases of Fair Trade items we:

• Exalt the HUMAN DIGNITY of small-scale producers overseas;
• Exercise a preferential OPTION FOR THE POOR;
• Act in SOLIDARITY with our brothers and sisters in need;
• Ensure that farmers and artisans earn a JUST WAGE;
• Contribute to a more just DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH;
• Apply the principle of SUBSIDIARITY; and
• Practice responsible STEWARDSHIP of our natural resources.

Make a difference in your parish: In our parishes, we can make a difference by purchasing Fair Trade coffee for Sunday fellowship.
 
If you already use Fair Trade coffee, consider selling packaged coffee to parishioners at your fellowship.
 
The holidays are quickly approaching – what better way to honor those to whom we give gifts then to give a gift that gives twice. By offering a CRS Fair Trade sale in your parish, every purchase has twice the impact – supporting the farmers and artisans and contributing to CRS Fair Trade Fund. The Fund invests in CRS projects around the world - helping farmers adapt to climate change, improving access to markets and supporting critical education and advocacy initiatives in the United States.
 
Learn how you can make a difference in your parish. Contact Eileen Sleva for more information or to set up a sale in your parish.
 
***Fair Trade – coffee, tea, chocolate, apparel, jewelry, Home Décor, ornaments, Eco-friendly gifts***