Now that we have officially entered in upon the height of
the Christmas present buying season, I thought I would take this
opportunity to suggest some places were one can purchase some really
wonderful Catholic gifts for their friends and family.
But first an important note: as Catholics we ought to not only look to buy spiritually productive gifts for others, but also spend the money God gives us wisely and support good companies and causes, at least to the degree that is possible in today's world.
Thus we ought not, whenever, possible buy Catholic goods from third party secular companies like Amazon.com or other conglomerates. Instead we should buy from our local Catholic retailers (yes even if the prices might be a bit higher) who often donate their proceeds to good Catholic causes. And when it comes to books, we ought, when possible, buy directly from the publishers or again from a good Catholic company or local Catholic book shop.
We ought also to consider the things we buy all the time, in particular food items (i.e. Coffee), that we ought to support religious communities who produce these things when we can or our local producers for this is a true charity toward our neighbor. Yes it will cost us more to buy the beer, cheese, coffee, etc from religious but we can consider that extra cost a donation and know that we are supporting a good cause. And yes it will cost more at the Farmers Market, but you are getting a higher quality product, supporting real people and not the Agro-Industrial-Complex, and supporting your local economy.
But first an important note: as Catholics we ought to not only look to buy spiritually productive gifts for others, but also spend the money God gives us wisely and support good companies and causes, at least to the degree that is possible in today's world.
Thus we ought not, whenever, possible buy Catholic goods from third party secular companies like Amazon.com or other conglomerates. Instead we should buy from our local Catholic retailers (yes even if the prices might be a bit higher) who often donate their proceeds to good Catholic causes. And when it comes to books, we ought, when possible, buy directly from the publishers or again from a good Catholic company or local Catholic book shop.
We ought also to consider the things we buy all the time, in particular food items (i.e. Coffee), that we ought to support religious communities who produce these things when we can or our local producers for this is a true charity toward our neighbor. Yes it will cost us more to buy the beer, cheese, coffee, etc from religious but we can consider that extra cost a donation and know that we are supporting a good cause. And yes it will cost more at the Farmers Market, but you are getting a higher quality product, supporting real people and not the Agro-Industrial-Complex, and supporting your local economy.
First here is my list of solidly orthodox Catholic publishers:
And then I would very highly recommend Mystic Monk Coffee, Tea, and Gifts. Please support this wonderful cause, and help my dear friends the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming!
Another great group of Monks you can support are the Benedictines of Clear Creek by buying something from their wonderful Gift Shop.
And for those living in Northern Virginia I would be remiss if I did not recommend you support our local Catholic goods seller: the Paschal Lamb, which is staffed by good Catholics from our local parishes and who support other wonderful Catholic initiatives (like the Institute of Catholic Culture) from their proceeds. The Paschal Lamb also offers wrapping paper you can purchase that isn't made with slave labor of our dear Catholic brethren imprisoned in China simply for being Catholics.
And do not forget to give something to a worthy cause this Feast of the Nativity of our Lord. There are many worthy causes that deserve our support. Here are just a few suggestions:
Canons Regular of the New Jerusalem (WVa, USA)
Carmelite Monks of Wyoming (WY, USA)
Benedictine Monks of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar (Meath, Ireland)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary (FSSP) (NE, USA)
Transalpine Redemptorists (Papa Stronsay, Scotland)
Benedictines of Mary - Queen of Apostles (MO, USA)
Carmel of Jesus Mary and Joseph (PA, USA)
HelpIraq.org (Sponsored by St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of the U.S.A)
Institute of Catholic Culture (VA, USA & Online Everywhere!)
