2004 archives
Written by Catholic SUN   
Dinner is Served
Dec. 2-8, 2004
VOL 123 NO. 42
Dinner is Served
By Eileen Jevis/ SUN staff writer
SUN photo(s) Paul Finch
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me. I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” — Matt 25:35-40

Thanksgiving should be an occasion for counting one’s blessings, spending time with family and friends and sitting down to a festive table abundant with food. For some, however, the holidays are a time of uncertainty, unemployment, poverty and hunger –– not just in Third-World countries, but right here in the counties that make up the Diocese of Syracuse.

Catholic Charities agencies across the U.S. have reported an increased need for emergency services. A Catholic Charities USA survey showed a 73 percent increase in requests for rent/mortgage and utilities assistance and a 60 percent growth in requests for food. In addition, the survey indicated that 77 percent of the Catholic Charities agencies surveyed are experiencing an increase in the number of families seeking help and a 63 percent rise in the number of seniors coming to them for aid.
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Written by Catholic SUN   
Make Your Gift Count
December 9-15, 2004
VOL 123 NO. 43
Make Your Gift Count
By Eileen Jevis/ SUN staff writer
SUN photo(s) Paul Finch
Looking for a unique gift for that hard-to-buy for relative or friend? How about Kisii Stone candleholders from Kenya, handmade table linens from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India or Guatemala or a musical rain stick from Chile? Other items available locally are Haitian stone sculptures, baskets made by Sudanese refugees, jewelry, toys or puzzles from Sri Lanka, or hand painted pins made by Russian orphans. These are just a few examples of fair trade items for sale that will not only provide unique and distinctive gifts but also promote social justice and provide a sustainable means of income for artisans around the world who might otherwise not have employment.

At the Spiritual Renewal Center of the Syracuse Diocese located at 1118 Court St. in Syracuse, volunteer gift shop manager Judy Carr said that the fair trade gifts sold at the shop provide skills training, disaster relief, education, health care, housing and many other critical services to Third World countries. They also raise the awareness of consumers on social justice issues.
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