Lisle church takes STEPs to fight global poverty

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Lisle is fighting poverty one step at a time.

The church's annual Steps Toward Eliminating Poverty Walk on Sunday, May 16, raises money for Catholic Relief Services and other organizations.

Afterward, supporters will head to the school gym to learn more about the causes of poverty, write letters to legislators, buy fair-trade items and sample foods typically eaten by people in Third World countries. The walk and the fair are open to all.

The purpose is "to gain some awareness of poverty, both here and around the world, and not just say 'that's somebody else's problem,' but to stand up and do something," said Deacon Tom Richardt.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with a short prayer service at the church, 820 Division St. Participants will walk from the church to the center of Lisle and back - about two miles.

Last year's walk raised $12,000.

The fair in the school's gym will feature displays made by St. Joan of Arc Catholic School middle schoolers on the causes of poverty at the local, state and national levels as well as globally.

At the advocacy station, supporters can sign up to get alerts on state and federal legislation as well as write or sign letters to their representatives.

A selection of fair trade merchandise - including items made by women with HIV/AIDS in Kenya - will be for sale. Outside the gym, there will be a tasting table featuring food from Third World countries, such as peanut soup from Kenya and mustard greens, prepared by parishioners.

For children, there will be hot dogs and a craft activity.

The church's Social Justice and Peace ministry is active throughout the year on issues affecting the poor, from affordable housing in DuPage County to debt forgiveness for impoverished nations.

For details, visit sjalisle.org.

If you goWhat: Steps Toward Eliminating Poverty WalkWhen: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 16; registration at 12:30 p.m.Where: From St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 820 Division St., to downtown Lisle and back, Details: Walk is followed by an information fair in the school's gymInfo: (630) 353-4522 or sjalisle.org.