In a world rife with consumerism, materialism, and “throwaway culture” – a term coined by Pope Francis – a group of local Catholics is seeking to change course. After a successful inaugural event this summer, Makers Market is returning to Holy Name Parish in Sheridan for a second market this weekend.
According to its organizers, the initiative is meant to “encourage Catholics who have and/or are developing a craft of any sort to use their talents and gifts to enrich society.”
“We had the idea for this market during 2020 when we observed what seemed like an increase in consumerism, materialism and a decrease in the value of the human person in the world of buying and selling,” Cheryl Winstead, one of the organizers of the Makers Market, told the Denver Catholic.
She, along with her fellow founders and organizers, are seeking to rebuild and transform the culture around them by establishing a Catholic economy.
“What we mean by a Catholic economy is a community of business transactions centered on the dignity of the human person and God’s view of humanity,” said Maggie Sweeney, who works alongside Winstead to host the Makers Market. “We hope that in these more personal and local buyer and seller interactions, there will be positive ripple effects into our culture at large, spurring a movement that rejects materialistic consumerism. In the future, we hope to have opportunities for formation for these Catholic small business owners to grow closer to Christ through their business or craft.”
Vendor Rachel Oligny sells religious and literary hand-painted peg dolls at the Holy Name Makers Market in June.
After their first successful event on June 10 of this year, organizers are looking forward to the second Makers Market on Saturday, Sept. 16, which aims to serve not only businesses and artisans, but also the larger community.
“The reason for establishing the Makers Market was to bring together a vibrant Catholic community in a very lonely and impersonal world,” said Martha Slattery, one of the vendors at the first market.
“Many people might see each other often at Mass or parish functions and never know the quiet talents or hobbies that people have. When deciding to shop for a holiday or family milestone, it is exciting to be able to buy from tiny Catholic businesses and support the people around us,” she added.
At its upcoming event, the Makers Market will be adding live music and food to their high-quality artisan goods to make it a day of fun for the whole family. Many things set the event apart from other farmers’ and makers’ markets in the area, from the intentions behind the event to the wares being sold.
“I think it is unique from other markets in that many of the goods cater specifically to Catholic wants and needs,” Slattery said, as she recalled some of the beautiful products at the previous Makers Market.
“It is really an opportunity for many people to display their talents in a way that gives joy to our small parish at Holy Name and also the wider Denver Catholic community.”
All are welcome to attend and support the second Makers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at Holy Name Catholic Parish in Sheridan.
“Come and shop to support the small business owners putting themselves out there with their creations!” said Winstead. “It’s really a choice that the individual consumer needs to make, to shop less from large corporations or to direct their spending towards local individual or family businesses. We’re hoping that people think ahead about birthday, Christmas and sacrament gifts, or household goods and art and come ready to find some incredible things made by Catholics in the Denver area.”
To apply to be a vendor at the next market, or if you have gifts or talents that could be a help to the market, please email catholic.makers.market@gmail.com