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Mission Statement
The Fair Trade Ministry encompasses Gospel and Catholic Social Doctrine principles by providing products for which the producer
received fair compensation. These products are produced, bought, and sold in a
system in which personal relationships are essential, and in which care for the
environment is paramount.
This ministry reflects the mission of Holy Family
Church by giving
parishioners the opportunity to stand in solidarity with the working poor of our
world – many of whom are the producers of items that we consume. It is reaching
out to “those in need” of a fair wage for their goods, thereby giving them a
better chance of decent housing, education, and community infrastructure.
About the Fair Trade Ministry
The Fair Trade Ministry accomplishes several goals.
- The ministry is in operation one Sunday a month, giving
parishioners and visitors an opportunity to purchase fairly traded, affordable
products.
- It welcomes Fair Trade farmers when they come through the Los Angeles area. For
example, in 2006, Fair Trade rice farmers from Thailand spoke of their experience.
In May 2007, two Nicaraguan coffee farmers, sponsored by Catholic Relief
Services, gave a presentation about the difference the fair trade system has
made in their communities.
- Holy Family’s Fair Trade Ministry is a strong supporter and
member of the Los Angeles–wide movement Fair Trade LA (FTLA), a coalition of
Fair Trade organizations in the Los
Angeles area.
In a letter to parishioners dated October 2005, Monsignor
Clement J. Connolly, Pastor, accurately states the rationale for Fair Trade:
“I am writing this letter to inform you of our newly-formed
Fair Trade Ministry. This ministry, started by interested parishioners and
staff, aims to provide you with high-quality, premium products in which the
producers are paid a livable wage. For thousands of farmers around the world,
this fair wage makes the difference between living in severe poverty and
enabling whole rural communities to provide food, health care, and education
for its members. As a result, in keeping with the principles of our faith, this
is a good opportunity to align what we believe as a church, with what we buy as
consumers.”
The Fair Trade Ministry seeks to grow its sales of Fair
Trade products and to “send out the good word” about Fair Trade to the entire
Holy Family community. The members of our ministry are very excited about our
mission and are strong believers in this “practical justice” method. We would
like more people to engage with it. We welcome new ideas and marketing
strategies that will help raise awareness of free trade issues and increase
sales of free trade products.
Volunteer Ministry Opportunity
Meetings
The leadership committee meets every two months, for
approximately two hours. The date and time is arranged according to the
availability of the committee members.
2008 Fair Trade Sales
The Fair Trade Ministry is in operation the second Sunday of
every month, with one or two exceptions, along with Continental Breakfast.
Leadership Team
Mary Cynar, Coordinator
Jenna Klipp, Coordinator
Eleanor Fairchild
Alice Garcia
Fran Hovorka
Karen Jenne
Susie Ortiz
Helen Sarnoski
Christine Ward
Contact
Mary Cynar
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Resources
Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade
Fair Trade L.A.
Equal Exchange
Sweet Earth Organics
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