Christmas Music Favorites!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to break out the Christmas music! One of my new favorite Christmas CDs comes from St. Olaf Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Behold That Star! blends the classic with the contemporary to create the ultimate 2 disc collection. The music is beautifully produced, and with 35 song choices, this may be the only Christmas collection you need all season!

St. Olaf Church describes their collection as:

"Enhanced by spoken poetry and the Christmas gospel of Luke, the story of the season comes to life through music and the spoken word. Vocal solos sung by St. Olaf’s lead cantors blend with the choral music of the Festival Choir. A wide variety of solo and accompanying instruments are played by instrumentalists who serve the liturgy of St. Olaf, such as trumpet, oboe, bass, violin, guitar, flute, percussion, and the Steinway piano and 67 rank Lively-Fulcher pipe organ housed at St. Olaf. All the stops of the organ are pulled out for the organ solo postlude Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella!"

Behold That Star! is the perfect way to bring Christ into your home this holiday season.

Click here for more information.

History of the Crucifix

One of the core symbols of Christianity is the crucifix or cross. The cross has a rich history and has undergone many transformations over the years. Today, there are nearly limitless interpretations found all around the world - from the San Domiano to the St. Benedict Crucifix.

The crucifix was not a symbol commonly used in the early church. Before the 5th century, more emphasis was placed symbols like the Ichthys, the lamb, or a dove. The cross symbol appears occasionally before the 5th century as is evidenced in the Octavius of Minucius Felix. However, around the 5th century, the crucifix began appearing in much greater numbers throughout Rome. At this time, the corpus depicted a peaceful Jesus who was free from suffering. His head was raised and his eyes were open. The emphasis was on the divinity of Jesus and his immunity to death.

Beginning in the 13th, the crucifix underwent a dramatic transformation. A suffering Christ replaced the serene Christ of the earlier centuries. This was a Christ who was experiencing intense pain and suffering. His head was bowed, his body was twisted in pain and was bleeding.

During the Renaissance, the crucifix changed again. Similar to previous interpretations, artists showed this Jesus with his arms outstretched, head bowed, and eyes closed. The difference, however, was a lack of suffering. This depiction of the crucifixion combined the elements from all of the previous crucifixes, and is the form that remains the most popular today.

If you're looking for a crucifix, come see our collection at St. Patrick's Guild here.

Catholic Fun Facts

Total Number of Popes:

265

Most Common Name used by Popes:

John - There have been 23 Pope Johns

Longest Reigning Pope:

Pope Pius IX
1846-1878 (31 years, 7 months, 23 days)

Pope John Paul II comes in second place

1978-2005 (26 years, 5 months, 17 days)

Shortest Reigning Pope:

Pope Urban VII

Sept. 15, 1590 - Sept. 27, 1590 (13 days)

Canonized Popes:

76 Popes have been canonized saints - Pope John Paul II is currently in the beatification process and will most likely become the 77th canonized Pope.

Number of Catholic in America:

As of 2005, there was an estimated 66.3 million Catholics in the United States. That is approximately 22% of the total population.

Number of Catholics Worldwide:

According to the Vatican in 2005, there were 1.086 billion Catholics worldwide.

Countries with the most Catholics:

Brazil, Mexico, and the United States

St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. He is said to be the patron saint of more causes than any other saint, but is best known as the patron saint of children. He lived during the 3rd and 4th centuries, and he is especially remembered for his generosity and gift giving. On the night before St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6), children put a shoe out, and St. Nick comes and fills the shoe with candy and gifts.

St. Patrick's Guild is having a special children's event on Saturday Dec. 5th to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. From 11-3, St. Nick will be in our store to take pictures! Refreshments will be served, and there are special giveaways for all of the kids. Be sure to bring your camera!

Gift Ideas for the Sacraments

It can be hard to know what kind of gift to get for someone celebrating their First Communion or Baptism. After spending the last 5 years working with religious merchandise at St. Patrick's Guild, I've come to learn what some of the best gifts are for each of the sacraments. Here are a couple of gift ideas for the next time you are celebrating a sacrament.

Baptism: Crib Medals are a beautiful baptismal gift. With an image of a guardian angel on them, these medals serve as protection for the new baby and are a gentle reminder of God throughout the day.

Penance: With a sacrament that is focused around reflection and prayer, rosaries are a perfect gift.

First Communion: There are so many options for First Communion. Personalized items with the child's name and First Communion date are a wonderful way to help them remember their very special day.

Confirmation: The most popular idea for Confirmation gifts are patron saint items. Find out what the confirmant's chosen Confirmation name is, and a saint medal or statue of their chosen saint is a great gift.

I hope these ideas help. There is so much more at the St. Patrick's Guild website if you want more options.

Meaning of the Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is a Christmas tradition that we are all familiar with, but how much do we really know about this age old practice? Each year, your church and maybe your family bring out the Advent wreath, but what is the meaning behind it?

Traditionally, an Advent wreath has 4 candles - 3 purple and 1 pink. These four candles represent the four weeks of Advent which is a time of penitence and preparation. Each Sunday during Advent, a new candle is lit as a reminder of the approaching birth of Jesus. Although may different names are given to the candles, the most traditional names are:

1st candle (Purple) - Prophecy Candle (Hope)

2nd candle (Purple) - Bethlehem Candle (Preparation)

3rd candle (Pink) - Shepherd's Candle (Joy)

4th candle (Purple) - Angel's Candle (Peace and Love)

At times, a 5th candle is added. This white candle, or central candle, is lit on Christmas Day and is known as the Christ Candle.

The Advent wreath comes in many different shapes and varieties, but traditionally it was made out of evergreens. This symbolizes continuous life and is a reminder of the life that Jesus brought us.

If you are looking for an Advent wreath of your own, we have a beautiful selection you can choose from at St. Patrick's Guild. You can find wreaths, candles, and many other Advent and Christmas items here.