SCF Homilies

You can find an archive of homilies preached at Sts. Clare & Francis here.  

Helpful Environmental Justice Resources

Sts. Clare & Francis is committed to educating ourselves about the plight of our planet and ways we can live in balance with the needs of all of God’s greaction. We strive to live the social call of the gospel to be “good stewards” of Creation. Here are some helpful national and local resources:

Natural Resources Defense Council http://www.nrdc.org/ is one of the most effective non-profit lobbying and litigating group on environment issues.

The Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/ is one of the leading non-profit organizations working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Local Water Conservation
Metropolitan Sewer District Rain Barrel Sale see: http://www.stlmsd.com/home Education and Outreach, MSD offers rain barrels for sale each spring, 2012 dates TBD.

Local computer, TV, electronics recycling
Sunset Hills Electronics recycling program see: http://www.sunset-hills.com/Index.aspx?page=1
The city of Sunset Hills offers electronic recycling the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10a-4p in the community center parking lot, 3915 S. Lindbergh. (for additional info contact W.I.T.S. at 382-1650)

Local Green Energy http://mypurepower.com/
Ameren customers can choose to support the development of local renewable energy, like wind power, by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits.

Why We Serve and Sell Fair Trade Coffee

Agriculture is big business. The U.S. consumes one-fifth of the world’s coffee, making us its largest global consumer. BUT most coffee agricultural workers toil in “sweatshopsin the fields.” Coffee prices have plummeted and with markets this low, many farmers cannot maintain their families and land. Large companies maintain a high retail price, pocketing large profits from the low commodity prices.  

Fair Trade is a viable solution. A minimum price paid to the grower cooperative is guaranteed. The importer also contracts to assist in other ways such as providing affordable credit and technical assistance.  

By purchasing certified Fair Trade coffee and other products, we are changing the world, not by charity or handouts, but simply by a process of GIVING A FAIR EXCHANGE. Fair Trade builds right relationships between us buyers and the growers and sellers, relationships that are rooted in the principles of human dignity, social justice and global solidarity.  

Why not participate? It’s a win-win!!  

LOOK FOR DELICIOUS FAIR TRADE COFFEE FOR SALE AFTER MASS ON SATURDAYS.  

If you need coffee before that contact Sue Stolze scstolze@sbcglobal.net.