SOCIAL JUSTICE - FRANCISCAN ACTION & ADVOCACY

Prayer and Dialogue for Peace

Our parish hosts and assists in the planning of the annual “Prayer and Dialogue for Peace – In the Spirit of Assisi” event. We welcome people of all religious traditions to join together in reflection and prayer on peace by religious leaders followed by discussion and fellowship. The event is sponsored by the Diocese of Arlington’s Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Commission (Fr. Don Rooney, director) and the friars of our parish.

Fair Trade Sales

The parish promotes Fair Trade sales at various times throughout the year. What is Fair Trade? Fair trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the Global South. At its heart, it is about building respectful, enduring relationships. Looking through a wider lens, this embodies a comprehensive set of criteria, including, at a minimum, the following commitments:

• Paying a fair wage in the local context
• Offering employees opportunities for advancement
• Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
• Caring for God’s creation by engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
• Being open to public accountability
• Building long-term trade relationships
• Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
• Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible

– From Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade (http://www.crsfairtrade.org/what-is-fair-trade/)

Franciscan Action and Advocacy Internship Program

FA&A internships are primarily for college students (but open to everyone 18 years of age and older) who want to learn how, and to have a direct part in how, Catholic Social Teaching is carried out to address real-world issues. While it is unfortunately not a paid position, internships are flexible, collaborative, and customized to each intern.