Fair Trade is an alternative way of doing business – one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between consumers and producers. Fair Trade fights common forms of labor exploitation including human trafficking, child labor, and other abuses. The Catholic Church partners with Fair Trade companies demonstrating our commitment to live out Gospel values. 

If you want peace, fight for justice.

Part of the stewardship Catholics are called to is the work for Justice. How do ordinary Catholics like us follow that mandate? We can learn more about how our purchasing decisions have a direct impact on the global marketplace. The inequality of life for people living in developing countries as well as our own, is one of the great injustices Catholic Relief Services addresses. CRS’s mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.  Fair Trade is a powerful model of solidarity in action, but only if you act!

Every time you purchase Fair Trade products from a CRS partner, a percentage of your purchase goes to the CRS Fair Trade Fund to support high impact grants that support small-scale producers and their families.

• We can look for Fair Trade Certified products in the local marketplace.
• Let your local markets know you are interested in the Fair Trade products they sell.
• Speak up! Ask merchants to carry Fair Trade products.
• Ask for Fair Trade Coffee at your local coffee shop.
• And spread the word!

It’s easy to find Fair Trade coffee and chocolate. Look for the St. Michael Fair Trade Ministry tables outside the church the first Sunday of each month. They are eager to talk more about Fair Trade and offer Fair Trade coffee and chocolate for you to purchase.

Get involved! We are anxious to have you join our ministry. Sign up with any volunteer at the sale table.

St. Michael Church has made the commitment to drink and serve Fair Trade coffee in the church office and at all church functions.

CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the US Catholic community. Learn about CRS Fair Trade and find out how you can help promote economic justice, reduce global poverty and protect the environment.

Visit www.CRSFairTrade.org to learn how you can get involved.

Contact you local CRS Fair Trade Ambassadors:

Leslie Tramontin jmtlat@bellsouth.net

Melanie Jarvis meljarvis@mindspring.com