A Call from Francis: Challenging Our Culture of Waste

Summer provides an abundance of food to eat, food for thought, and time to think. Whether we're reaping first harvests from the garden or fasting in solidarity with Guantanamo hunger strikers, we seem constantly conscious of the blessing of food.

Now along comes our new pope to boldly challenge our culture of waste, saying that to waste food is to steal from the poor. Well, our consciences won't get a summer break! This month, EFJ explores Pope Francis' recent statement on food scarcity.

We also offer a prayer service regarding drug abuse and trafficking, a backgrounder that keeps Guatemalan genocide on our minds and hearts, and a prayer for youth as so many prepare to gather in solidarity in Brazil for World Youth Day.

EFJ welcomes intern Becca Barad, a student from Gonzaga University, to our team this summer. We've been busy focusing on the year ahead, including fresh resources for Advent and Lent. For now, we hope you're finding time this summer to rest and re-create. Savor these days... and cherish the food you eat and the food for thought!

Please contact us if we can be of further service. If you are not already a member please join us now! If you have let your membership lapse please renew now! Blessed Easter!

Companions on the journey for justice and peace,

Pat Finan, Dianna Ortiz OSU, and the EFJ Team

efj@coc.org

"Those who teach justice shall be like the stars forever."

~ Daniel 12:3

A Call from Francis: Challenging Our Culture of Waste
Article with Discussion Questions In his recent World Environment Day address, Pope Francis blamed our culture of waste for our failure to care for creation. His challenge echoes the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Go to resource

Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Prayer Service and Fact Sheet June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The effort is an ongoing commitment to strengthen cooperation and action against drug trafficking and abuse around the world. A fact sheet also is included. Go to resource

Guatemalan Genocide Trials
Backgrounder For decades, the Guatemalan government conducted a campaign of repression against its indigenous population. Holding Guatemalan leaders accountable for the murder, torture and rape of hundreds of thousands of people has proven challenging. This resource also addresses U.S. complicity in this tragic era. Go to resource

World Youth Day
Prayer and Backgrounder World Youth Day 2013 will be held in July in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Young people from around the world will gather with Pope Francis in solidarity and uphold human dignity through experiences of prayer, catechesis and service. Go to resource