Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Claremont has been named a Fair Trade Congregation, one of only seven in the United States.

The parish uses Fair Trade products whenever possible, including Fair Trade coffee and sugar for all parish events. It also incorporates Fair Trade education into parish life, linking Gospel values and Fair Trade principles.

“Communities of faith have long been the champions of the Fair Trade movement. In fact the very origins of what is today Fair Trade has its roots in communities of faith,” says Billy Linstead Goldsmith, national coordinator of Fair Trade Campaigns. “To be able to formally recognize the commitments that they have made to international justice, and to launch a program with the potential to bring so many more into this work is exciting.”

Parishioner Joe Michon says the experience has been rewarding, and Our Lady of Assumption would like to assist other faith communities who would like to become a Fair Trade Congregation. For more information, visit www. FairTradeClaremont@ gmail.com.