Holy Name Social Action Committee

Many of you have heard the term “fair trade” and you know that the Social Action Committee sells coffee and tea after masses, but what exactly is fair trade?  By definition, Fair Trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development, seeking to empower millions of disadvantaged producers worldwide while protecting the environment for future generations. Fair Trade also empowers U.S. consumers to make a difference in the world simply by adjusting their shopping list, giving industry an incentive to do the right thing.  In other words, it’s an attempt to connect sellers in underdeveloped countries with buyers in developed countries.

Check out this great resource for Fair Trade information and products:

http://www.crsfairtrade.org/

http://www.serrv.org/category/shop

Want to learn more about the local prison ministry?  Come to the next meeting of the Social Action Committee where we will meet Jason Davis and learn more about this important ministry.  Meeting is at 6:30 on April 24th in the parish office (conference room).

An annual event focused on social action in Catholic communities will be held in our area this summer.  The Social Action Summer Institute (SASI) will be held July 29 – August 1 at Bellarmine University in Louisville.  The Institute provides training that covers the foundations of Catholic social teaching and this year’s event focuses on a critical topic in global and local communities, “Addressing Poverty Today.” 

 The Institute is co-sponsored by the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors in partnership with USCCB/Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development and Catholic Campaign for Human Development; Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services.  The Institute includes national presenters who will lead sessions throughout the week including:  David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, who will offer the keynote address focused on hunger and poverty advocacy efforts; Rev. John Rausch, tireless advocate for justice in Appalachia; Joe Grant of JustFaith Ministries who will focus on transformative learning; Jack Jezreel, director of JustFaith Ministries, who will offer the closing session; Tricia Hoyt, who will offer a session on Biblical Justice; Staff of the USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Charities USA who will lead domestic and international poverty strategy sessions;  and liturgy with Most Rev. Ronald Gainer of Lexington and Most Rev. William Medley of Owensboro;

Registration opens in late April and Holy Name has several people interested in attending.  Check here for more information http://catholicroundtable.org/events/sasi/SASI%20July%202012%20Flyer.pdf