Casa Grounds for Solidarity

October 14th, 2010 in Articles by Charlie Brown1 Comment

Casa Grounds for Solidarity is one of the newest projects of the Faith In Action Ministries at the Franciscan Renewal Center.

Solidarity is at the heart of this effort. Solidarity is living out the gospel mandate to love my neighbor as myself. It is seeing no difference in relationship between me and my family and me and a stranger who lives in Chiapas, Mexico. The love and concern that I have for my kin is broadened to include everyone.

Although central to the gospel message, this is very difficult to do in everyday life. Our new fair-trade coffee ministry is one small step in fulfilling Jesus’ directive. By selling and purchasing fair-trade coffee that is grown in a cooperative that provides a steady source of income for farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, I am being attentive to their needs. By purchasing fair-trade coffee from an organization that also has a roasting facility in Mexico, I am adding economic benefits to this project.

Most of the profit from coffee comes after it has been purchased from the farmer. Café Justo keeps more of the profit in Mexico where it can benefit poor workers by having a roasting facility in Agua Prieta. They are able to offer health insurance and a steady wage to those who work on the roasting side of the business. These bags of coffee end up slightly more expensive than your average can on a store shelf, but when I am willing to spend more money on coffee so that others can raise their standard of living, I am responding to the gospel call of solidarity.

I encourage you to try the coffee and make a commitment to doing all of your coffee shopping through Café Justo. Casa Grounds for Solidarity is selling once a month at this time but plans to move to twice a month in November. To accomplish this, we need more volunteers willing to sell just once a month after one mass. Please call or send me an email if you are interested in this solidarity project. And don’t forget to buy your coffee today in Hospitality.

Don’t miss this chance to pick up excellent coffee!