Your Family Spiritual Connection

2011 Nativity Sets Are In!

2011-10-27T08:17:00.001-07:00

All of our Nativity sets are in for the Advent and Christmas season. You can find some great deals on our large indoor and outdoor Nativity scenes. Like every year our Fontanini figurines and Nativity Sets are in and the collection is better than ever. Enhance your current Nativity scene or give the gift of a Fontanini Nativity set to a familily member or those newlyweds close to you. Take a look at our best deals on Nativity Sets and for our best offers yet click here.

Advent is approaching fast. Get prepared by shopping our Advent wreaths and Advent candle selections. A very popular item last year and again this year is our battery operated Advent candles. Keep your home and children safe from the fire of real candles and buy our battery operated Advent Candles. Also save from buying Advent candles in the years to come!

St. Patrick's Guild has opened a sister store in the Mall of America called Irish Blessings. If your in the Twin City area check out the store at the Mall of America 101 N. Garden. Or shop their wide array of Irish Gifts, Claddagh rings and Irish Clothing at www.irishindeed.com

The New Third Edition of the Catholic Roman Missal available for Pre Order.

2011-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Visit our website to pre order your new version or 3rd edition of the Roman Missal. With over six publishers to choose from you find just the right design and fit for your Church or Chapel. St. Patrick's Guild is offering competitive pricing on the the New Roman Missals that will be available in early October. Classic publishers like Catholic Book and Liturgical Press are offering several versions of the Roman Missal giving you a great selection to choose from. If you are interested in learning more about the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal click here to view a video that explains what should be expected in the new version.

Roman Missal Video

Start shopping now online at St. Patrick's Guild for the New Roman Missal

FREE First Communion Veil or Tie Clasp with $100 Purchase or More

2011-03-31T14:26:00.001-07:00

Click here to view our latest email promotion. As some of your families approach the Sacrament of First Communion we want to extend an exclusive offer so you can save as you shop for First Communion Gifts and First Communion Apparel. Spend $100 at www.stpatricksguild.com and you can receive a First Communion Veil or a First Communion Tie Clasp for FREE! Once you reach $100 in your shopping cart choose from 3 different veils and add one for free. Or if you would like a Gold Colored Cross Tie Clasp add that for free instead. This offer is only good thru Monday April 4th, 2011 so hurry and get your First Communion Shopping in this weekend and take advantage of this great offer.

July Wine Sale at St. Patrick's Guild

2010-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Spring Clergy Shirt Sale!

2010-04-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

This Spring, St. Patrick's Guild would like to extend to you some special pricing on our most popular brands and styles of short sleeve clergy shirts. For the month of May, when you buy one, you get the second at half price! For more information, please give us a call at 1800-652-9767 or come in and visit us at 1554 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN.

What is a Deacon?

2010-04-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

The order of the Deacon has been an integral part of Church history since the very beginning of Christianity. Tradition has it that in the 1st century, seven men were selected and identified as the first deacons. According to Acts 6, these men were "Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch". Most famous among the seven deacons was St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr who was killed in Jerusalem in 35 c.e. These men were to be servants and ministers to the Church and focus their energy on charitable work among the community. Originally, the deaconate was meant to be a permanent position, but over the centuries, the office of the permanent deacon fell out of use. However, the tradition of transitional deacons continued unabated. The transitional deaconate is a step for all men preparing for the priesthood. Transitional deacons have the exact same responsibilities as a permanent deacon, but they only remain in the order of the deacon for about a year before their ordination as a priest. Vatican II (1962-1965) brought about a reinstating of the permanent deaconate. Today, there are about 13,000 permanent deacons of the Catholic Church in the United States.

So what exactly does a deacon do? According the the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the deacons mission is threefold. "As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshalling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Deacons are also dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs." Unique to the order of the deacon is that the office is open to married men. Married men aged 35 or older are allowed to become deacons, while single men may enter the deaconate at age 25. If a deacon's spouse precedes him in death, he is not allowed to remarry, and must then assume a celibate life. Most deacons also have jobs outside of the church which leaves them in a position that falls somewhere between lay person and clergy. It is a unique role within the Church, and ultimately very enriching for the Christian community.

On May 1st, 2010, the St. Paul Seminary will be holding a deacon ordination for their 3rd year Seminarians. For those interested in witnessing an ordination and supporting the future leaders of our church, the service takes place at 10 a.m. at the Basilica in Minneapolis.

Palm Sunday

2010-03-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceded him and those following kept crying out and saying:
"Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest."
-Matthew 21: 6-9

Palm Sunday, or Passion Sunday, is celebrated one week before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week. It celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as found in all 4 gospels. (Mark 11: 1-11, Matthew 21: 1-11, Luke 19: 28-44, and John 12: 12-19). Traditionally, churches distribute palms to their parishioners during Palm Sunday to symbolically mark Jesus' procession into Jerusalem. Often, the palms are tied into a cross shape, but not all churches follow this tradition. These palms have been blessed by the priest, and following the ceremony, they are often recollected and saved to be burned the following year to supply the Ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Palm Sunday will be on March 28 this year.

What is a Paschal Candle?

2010-03-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

The tradition of the Paschal candle may go back as far as the 4th century. We find in the letters of St. Jerome a description of the custom and tradition surrounding the Paschal candle. The practice probably stems from the Lucernarium rite as well as an old Jewish tradition. In the early church, after the candle had been used on Easter Sunday, they would break the candle up into fragments and pass out the pieces to the faithful in the community. Starting in the 10th century, however, the Paschal candle began to have a more prominent position within churches. By the 12th century, they were inscribing the current year on the candle which is a practice that continues to this day.

Paschal candles are the largest candles in the worship space. The candle will prominently feature a cross, and also displays the Greek letters alpha and omega to signify that God is the beginning and the end. The year is added as a reminder of God's immediate presence among the religious community. Five grains of incense (most often red) are embedded in the candle (sometimes encased in wax "nails") during the Easter Vigil to represent the five wounds of Jesus: one in each hand, one in each foot, and the spear thrust into his side.

Every year during the Easter Vigil, a new Paschal candle is blessed. Each parish should have a new candle every year as a sign of each community's participation in the Easter mystery. The candle is lit for all religious services throughout the 50 days of the Easter season. For the remainder of the year, the candle may be lit for baptisms, funerals, or weddings.

Check out some Paschal Candles at St. Patrick's Guild. Click here.

Dead Sea Scrolls at the Science Museum of Minnesota

2010-03-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, Minnesotans are getting a chance to view the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls. These documents, discovered between 1947 - 1956, are the oldest known copies of biblical texts dated from around 150 BCE to 70 CE. Discovered in caves by a young shepherd boy, they are generally attributed to a Jewish sect known as the Essenes. These documents are considered by many to be the most historically significant find of the 20th century, so this opportunity to see them first hand is remarkable. The exhibit will be open from March 12 - October 24, and there is an accompanying Omnitheatre movie.

History of St. Patrick

2010-03-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

With less than 2 weeks until St. Patrick's Day, now is the perfect time to take a look at one of the most well known saints - St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Considering how loved and honored St. Patrick is, we know very little concrete facts about his life. It is thought that Patrick was born in 385 AD. He was born a Roman citizen in Britain (his Latin name was Magonius Sucatus Patricius). His grandfather was a priest (it was still common for priests to marry at this time), and his father was a deacon. However, most scholars believe that his father became a deacon for tax reasons, so there is no indication that Patrick was particularly religious at an early age.

When he was 16, he was captured by Irish raiders who were attacking his family estate, and he was sold into slavery in Ireland. During his 6 years of servitude working as a shepherd in County Mayo, he underwent a religious transformation. In 407, God came to Patrick in a dream and told him it was time for him to leave Ireland, so he walked 200 miles to the Irish coast and escaped by boat to Gaul. Although many like to believe that Patrick received his religious education in Britain, it was more likely that his education was received from monastic institutions in Gaul (modern day France). After 15 years of training, he was consecrated a bishop was was sent as a missionary to Ireland.

Tradition has it that St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, but this is not entirely true. Although he was the first successful missionary to Ireland, a man named Palladius went before him in 431. However, it is thought that he either died or went to Scotland, and there is no record of him in Ireland after 431.

There are many popular legends surrounding St. Patrick (such as the story of him driving the snakes out of Ireland), but there is little historical evidence to support any of the iconic stories. Our only definite information comes from 2 Latin letters that are generally accepted to be written by Patrick. They are the "Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus" and "Declaration". It is in "Declaration" that Patrick provides a bit of autobiographical information. So, Patrick remains one of the most well known and yet mysterious Saints in the Catholic Church. A fascinating character, St. Patrick will remain a favorite of the Irish and Catholics around the world.

Stations of the Cross

2010-02-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

The following is a collection of different artistic representations of the Stations of the Cross from around the world. From Poland, to the UK, to America, these pictures come together to tell the heartbreaking and inspiring story of Jesus' crucifixion. Although immensely different in style, each artistic rendition of the Stations of the Cross brings a new emotion and surprising element to the story. This is a unique collection of the Stations of the Cross that acts as a reminder of the far reaching impact Jesus has had upon humanity.

First Station - Jesus is Condemned to Death

Grieshaber's woodcuts Polish Stations

Second Station - Jesus Takes Up His Cross

By Max DeMoss

Third Station - Jesus Falls a First Time Under the Cross

By Alan Joshua

Fourth Station - Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
By Gwyneth Lech

Fifth Station - Simon of Cyrene is Forced to Take Up the Cross

By Kirsten Malcolm and Mark Prins

Sixth Station - Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

By Beverly Carpenter

Seventh Station - Jesus Falls a Second Time

By Chris Gollon

Eighth Station - Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

By David O'Connell

Ninth Station - Jesus Falls A Third Time

From Jeju Island

Tenth Station - Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

By Chris Gollon

Eleventh Station - Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

From St. Raphael Church

Twelfth Station - Jesus Dies on the Cross

By Mimmo Paladino

Thirteenth Station - The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Arms of His Mother

By Aubrey Freeman

Fourteenth Station - Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

By Sister Mary Grace Thul

Catholics are Hilarious!

2010-02-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

A cop pulls over a car full of nuns. The cop says, "Sister, the speed limit on this highway is 55 mph. Why are you so slow?"

Sister replies, "I saw a lot of signs that said 41, not 55."
The Cop says, "Sister, that's the name of the highway, not the speed limit."

"Silly me," the embarrassed nun says, "Thanks for letting me know. I'll be more careful."

But then the cop glances in the back seat where the other nuns are quaking with fear. He asks,

"Excuse me, Sister, what's wrong with your friends?"

Sister says, "Oh, we just got off Highway 101."

Q: What do you call a sleep walking Nun?

A: A Roamin' Catholic

Little Johnny opened the big family Bible with fascination, and looked through the old pages.

Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. Little Johnny picked it up and looked. An old leaf from a tree had been pressed between the pages. "Momma, look what i found," he called out.

"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked.

With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered: "I think it's Adam's swim suit!"

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. There was a note posed by the fruit. "Take only one," it read. "God is watching."

At the other end of the line was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. One child whispered to another, "Take all you want. God's watching the apples."

Q: How did the bishop make holy water?
A: He took some tap water and boiled the hell out of it.

Did you know the apostles actually edited the Bible story about the woman caught in adultery because what really happened was quite awkward?

It seems Jesus was writing in the sand and said, "If anyone of you is without sin, you be the first to throw a stone."

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a rock came sailing in and whacked the poor woman in the head. Jesus stood up and with great exasperation

said, "Mother!"

A couple had two very mischievous little boys, ages eight and ten, who were always getting into trouble. The parents knew that if any

mischief occurred in their town their sons were probably involved.

The boys' mother heard that a monsignor in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The monsignor agreed. The mother sent the eight year old in first.

The monsignor, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the young boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?"

The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response. He just sat there with this mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the monsignor repeated the question in an even stronger tone, "Where is God?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer.

So the monsignor raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD?"

The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet clamming the door behind him.

When his older brother found him, he asked, "What happened?"

The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time, dude. God is missing - and they think WE did it!"

-For more HILARIOUS jokes, check out The Book of Catholic Jokes by Deacon Tom Sheridan

St. Thomas Aquinas' Feast Day

2010-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

January 28th is the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas. As one of the 33 Doctors of the Church, he is a remarkably influential figure who is viewed as the model teacher for those studying for the priesthood. As a great theologian and philosopher, he left behind some words of wisdom that are still incredibly relevant in today's world. As I was looking through some of his quotes, I found myself surprised by how much a 13th century priest could speak to me. Here are some of my favorite St. Thomas Aquinas quotes:

-Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.
-Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

-Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good.

-How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.

-If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

-The things that we love tell us what we are.

-There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

-To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

-We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.

-Wonder is the desire for knowledge.

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday, our thoughts and prayers go out to those in need. Relief efforts are trying to save as many people from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, but 100,000+ are feared dead. This is a truly tragic disaster, so please pray and help in whatever way you can.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patron saint of Haiti. In this time of grief, let us call upon her for help and comfort.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of every grace that God grants us in our misery; it is for this cause that He hath made thee so powerful, so rich, so kind, that thou might assist us in our miseries. Come once more to my assistance, for I commend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation; to thee I entrust my soul. Enroll me among thy most faithful servants; take me under thy protection and it is enough for me: yes, for if thou protect me, I shall fear nothing. My dear Lady, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance and the grace to have recourse to thee at all times, O Mother of Perpetual Help.

Donations can be made to Haiti relief efforts through the Salvation Army here.

Candlemas Celebration

2010-01-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Candlemas (or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord) is a Catholic celebration that falls on February 2. It is a remembrance of Jesus' presentation and purification in the Temple. According to Mosaic Law, a mother was to bring her son to the Temple 40 days after birth to be purified. During the ceremony, Mary received the Prophecy of Holy Simeon:

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

(Luke 2:34-35: )

The Feast of the Presentation is one of the most ancient feasts of the Christian Church. The first written reference can be found in the travel log of a 4th century nun named Egeria. Today, Candlemas is used as the time to bless candles to be used throughout the upcoming year. In a ceremony separate from mass, the priest blesses the beeswax candles with an aspergilium. Traditionally, parishes distribute some of these candles out to their parishioners. However, this tradition has somewhat fallen out of practice since Vatican II.

Candlemas is a day to celebrate new things. Home celebrations include a family meal with crepes, pancakes and cakes, and all grain based foods. Light candles around the house, spend time with your family, and remember the Holy Family.

Click here for special Candlemas Candles.

Connect with the Vatican

2009-12-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

During the 21st century, the Vatican has become surprisingly internet savvy. During a time when communication has become increasingly dependent upon the internet, the Vatican has been keeping up with the trend by becoming part of various social networking sites and generally becoming more internet friendly. Whether it is on Facebook or YouTube, the Vatican is attempting to appeal to the younger generations. Here are some of the best websites to stay connected with the Vatican today:

Official Vatican YouTube Page
Music from the Vatican's Playlist
Official Vatican Website
Vatican Pope2You Facebook Application

To learn more about Pope Benedict XVI, check out the biography by John. L. Allen Jr.

Pope Benedict XVI Biography

Christmas Prayer

2009-12-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas can be a hectic time for all of us. But it is important to remember what the season is really about. Let's remember Jesus this Christmas and the gifts that he gave us. This prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson is a great reminder of what Christmas is all about:

Loving God,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate

and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift

and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy

to be thy children,

and Christmas evening bring us to our beds

with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!

And don't forget about our After Christmas Sale! Starting December 26th at 9:00 a.m. save a minimum of 50% on seasonal items.

After Christmas Sale!

2009-12-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 26th

9:00 - 5:30

Our doors will be opening at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26th for our 60th Annual After Christmas Sale.

Come experience the best deals in town on seasonal and Christmas items!

Unlike other religious stores, we choose to liquidate all of our Christmas merchandise after Christmas in order to bring you the best savings.

Save a minimum of 50% off during our famous after Christmas Sale! You won't find deals like this anywhere else in town.

Come early for the best selections. But if you can't make it in that Saturday, don't worry, sale prices will continue into January!

Come stock up on Christmas gifts and decorations for next year while saving tons of money!!

Fun Nativity Sets for Kids

2009-12-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, I always wanted to play with my Mom's Nativity set. It was a beautiful glass set from Italy, but because it was so fragile, I had to stay away from it. Nowadays, there are great Nativity sets made specifically for kids. The materials, design, and packaging make them very durable and fun. These sets are a great way to teach your children about the Nativity while making sure that nothing gets broken or damaged. I wish I had known about these when I was younger.

12 piece Nativity set with Stable

Musical Nativity Set in Bag

17 Piece Plastic Nativity Set

Christmas Music Favorites!

2009-11-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T15:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T14:17:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

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.

All Saints Day

2009-10-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by the saints, and with All Saints Day coming up on November 1, I have been thinking about some of my favorite saints and learning about new ones. There is a lesson to be learned in the life of each saint, and even the saints that border on the bizarre speak to the rich history of the Catholic Church and can help us learn more about our faith.

St. Anthony has always been one of my family's favorites. He is the patron saint of lost things and saying a quick prayer to him when you lose your keys or can't find your wallet works every time. Try it yourself sometime:

Tony Tony,

look around

something's lost

and must be found

A saint I just learned about is Saint Drogo. Saint Drogo lived a very pious life in the 12th century. He is the patron saint of coffeehouses, and reportedly was able to biolcate - that is physically be in 2 places at once!! A terrible physical deformity he received during a pilgrimage caused him to remove himself from the public, and he spent the last 40 years of his life alone in a cell attached to his church. During this time he lived off barley, water, and the Eucharist and had no contact with the outside community. This makes him the patron saint of unattractive people which just goes to show that there is a patron saint for just about everything!

For more interesting Saints stories, check out Butler's Lives of the Saints. You might be surprised to find how fun and interesting the saints are to read about.

60th Anniversary this weekend!

2009-10-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

After weeks of waiting, our 60th Anniversary Sale is finally here! Already our store has been full of people taking advantage of our 20% off deal which runs from now until Monday (10/26). Absolutely everything is on sale - even church supplies. It has been really fun to see old and new friends turn up, and I can't wait to see who else stops by.

We would love it if you could join us for the festivities, it's a very exciting time for us.

What makes altar wine "genuine" altar wine?

2009-10-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

While it may seem that wine is wine is wine, there is a key difference between regular wine you buy at your local store and genuine altar wine. The difference not only comes from the fact that it it is part of the Eucharist, but also in how it is produced and treated before it even makes it into the church.

The making of genuine altar wine begins at the vineyard.

Sacramental altar wine comes from the "free flowing juice" of the grapes. It means that the grapes are slit and the juice that comes them immediately is collected for altar wine. Then the commercial squeezers gather the rest - considered less "pure" - for commercial wine. Furthermore, sacramental altar wine must be naturally fermented with nothing added to it.

Those looking to purchase genuine sacramental altar wine should remember the unique requirements and qualities and purchase from a reputable retailer, like St. Patrick's Guild.

BONUS! Altar wine purchased at St. Patrick's Guild is not subject to the liquor tax.

Understanding and caring for your religious jewelry

2009-10-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Solid gold...gold filled...gold plated...oxidize...sterling...rhodium...karat...

Ever wonder what all of this means? As specialists in religious jewelry, St. Patrick's Guild can help!

We have a comprehensive webpage within our site that deals with religious jewelry types and care.

TYPES of jewelry include: Solid gold, gold filled, gold plated, sterling silver, brass, pewter and stainless steel. Our site offers advice on how to CARE for each of these.

The page also offers important jewelry DEFINITIONS such as: Karat, oxidize, tarnish and allergies to jewelry.

Finally, we included TIPS and TRICKS for religious jewelry, including how to select a chain length.

Visit the Religious Jewelry Types and Care page at: http://www.stpatricksguild.com/page.htm?PG=JewelryCare#jewelrycare

Our most popular religious jewelry can be found here: http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,386.html

The Year for Priests, St. John Vianney is Patron

2009-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Liturgical Year has been declared the "Year for Priests" by Pope Benedict. In honor, the Pope has determined that St. John Vianney will be the Universal Patron of Priests.

Many parishes will be celebrating the Year for Priests, which began in June 2009 and will end in June 2010. We will be called to pray for and support our priests, now more than ever.

Consider a St. John Vianney gift for your priest. Although we don't currently have much online (will try to get to that), you can call in or visit the store. We have...

--Book: Thoughts of the Cure D'Ars but St. John Vianney

--CD: Celebration of your Priesthood: You are a Priest Forever

--Limited Edition St. John Vianney Pocket Token or Medal

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has additional information on the Year for Priests here:

http://www.usccb.org/yearforpriests/

La Patisserie and Irish Indeed joining in the Anniversary fun!

2009-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have an exciting update for our 60th anniversary celebration coming up on October 23-26. Our neighbors at La Patisserie and Irish Indeed heard about our anniversary and want to get in on the festivities and help out Mari Plaster. They will also be offering 20% off all weekend long and giving a portion of their proceeds to Mari to help with her medical bills. This is a great opportunity to shop the entire corner off Randolph and Snelling and to save big!

In case you haven't been to La Patisserie, I highly recommend you stop by. They have the most delicious pastries and cakes that I have found anywhere in the Twin Cities. Their chocolate croissants are perfect, the carmel bars are to die for, and the petit fours are just wonderful - not to mention their scones, cakes, breads, and cookies...

Everyone should check this place out.

60th Anniversary Updates

2009-09-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

Our 60th anniversary is less than a month away, and we are getting really excited for the celebration. It's hard to believe that St. Patrick's Guild has been open for 60 years! With 20% off all weekend long (Oct 23-26), I think this would be a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done early. Avoid the crowds and stress of shopping in December. We have a great selection of Christmas and Advent items in stock now - including beautiful Nativity sets, stocking stuffers, Advent Wreaths, and so much more! Or if it's too soon to be thinking about Christmas, come take a look at our Thanksgiving and Harvest items.

During our 60th anniversary celebration weekend, some of the proceeds from each purchase will go help our friend Mari Plaster. Mari works at our neighboring store La Patisserie, and about a year ago, she was in a terrible accident. After a quiet dinner with family and friends to celebrate her birthday, a man on a high speed chase from the police ran his car into her. The damage was terrible, and she had a get one leg amputated as a result. After undergoing numerous surgeries, with more still to come, her medical costs are too much for her to handle. We want to take this opportunity to help out Mari in any way we can. To read more about Mari and the accident, you can check out this story from the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/27701614.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1PciU_ck:qK8DMEkDUU

St. Patrick's Guild is 60! Deals Galore on Christian Goods (and fun events!)

2009-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Guild has been open 60 years!

In celebration, we're having a "Rollback the Prices" to the levels of the old days - 20% of everything in the store. EVERYTHING!

The sale will occur:
October 23, 9-5:30
October 24, 9-5:30
October 26, 9-8

During the sale, there will be lots of celebration and merriment.

Please keep checking back for more details. We'll be updating the blog frequently.

Round 2: Sell Your Home with the St. Joseph Statue

2009-09-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about the history of the St. Joseph statue. Here's a St. Patrick's Guild YouTube video on the subject. The first time home buyer credit expires on December 1, 2009 (so says the IRS website). Home sellers might consider the St. Joseph statue during this last push to entice those buyers. Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxNHSsIZCwo

Thanksgiving Gifts

2009-09-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Hard to believe here in sunny and warm Minnesota.

If you need a hostess gift on Thanksgiving or perhaps just something to spice up your holiday decor, visit our Thanksgiving gifts section:

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,1939.html

My personal favorite appears to the right - the "Gather a Harvest of Love Plaque." You can't beat the price at $9.95, but it is so adorable! Although it might make a great Thanksgiving gift, it could be used all year round - or at least all fall round!

Athletic History of the Vatican and Popes

2009-09-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Given the kickoff to the NFL season, it seemed appropriate to share this story about the athletic prowess and history of the Vatican:

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0904068.htm

If you want to know more about Pope John Paul II - outside the fact that he was the most athletic Pope in history - check out this book by Peggy Noonan.

John Paul the Great: Remembering a Spiritual Father.

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/4,50328.html

New Christian Goods Items at the Guild!

2009-09-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Check out a few of our newest Christian goods items...including Christmas statues (start or build your collection), Christmas gifts, a CD of readings by Pope Benedict, and The Priests CD (a live concert at the Armagh Cathedral in Ireland).

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/new.htm

We try to update this page as often as possible!

Ted Kennedy's Catholic Funeral

2009-08-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

No matter your political beliefs or leanings, few can argue that there was not deep holiness and beauty at Senator Ted Kennedy's Catholic funeral mass today.

The Prayers of the Faithful were read by many of the senator's youngest family members. They called upon Ted's legacies, especially that of working for the poor. One prayer, which was read by one of the senator's grandsons, said:

"For my grandfather's commitment and persistence, not to outworn values but to old values that will never wear out. That the poor may be out of political fashion, but they are never without human need. That circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue, we pray to the Lord."

The funeral took place at the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston. The church itself has a long and venerable history and has always been known to draw people from all walks of life and many corners of the globe.

If you want to read more about the mass, the Catholic News Service has a nice piece out. http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/

Again, no matter your political beliefs, may we remember Ted Kennedy for his service to our country.

Patron Saints: The Common and Not So Common

2009-08-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

We launched a new website within the last year and I'm still discovering new and useful aspects of it. Tonight I found that we have a (farily) comprehensive online chart of patron saints. The patron saint list is organized alphabetically and can be found on our FAQs page:

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/page.htm?PG=faq

The list confirmed that some of the patron saints I know by heart:

St. Anne - patron saint of mothers

St. Christopher - patron saint of athletes

St. Francis - patron saint of animals

Others were not so obvious:

Got gout? St. Andrew.

Need a gift for a your child's dancing teacher? Try a St. Genesius patron saint medal.

And St. Patrick isn't just the patron saint of Ireland! Call on him if you get a snake bite!

Our list also includes feast days.

Enjoy!

Baby gifts! Shower the new baby in your life...

2009-08-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I posted about the most common wedding months since I figured many readers would want some wedding gift ideas. Because I am currently pregnant (with twins!) and just had a baby shower (at which I received many lovely baby gifts), it got me thinking about the most common month in which to have a baby. For those of you who have recently attended a baby shower or received a birth announcement or are expecting a Baptism/Christening invite in your mailbox, you won't be surprised to hear that August is the most popular birth month.

Some sources, however, state that September is the most common birth month or at least as common as August. Either way, there are babies being born right and left! Baby showers, Baptisms, Christenings and hospital visits are all common activities these days.

The most common birthdate is October 5. Interestingly, I am due November 5, but the average gestation for twins is 36 weeks - meaning I may just have my sons on the most popular birthday of the year!

If you're looking for baby shower gift ideas, check out the Guild's bestsellers:
http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,2334.html

The general Baptism and Christening portion of the website can be found here:
http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,502.html

Christians and Facebook - Can you be too networked?

2009-08-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Catholic News Service blog put this out the other day. Good food for thought for your faith community.

http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/debating-the-effects-of-social-networking-on-community-life/

Saints and Real Estate: The Story Behind the St. Joseph Statue

2009-07-31T19:08:00.001-07:00

With the stress of the the housing market in the past few years, home sellers are looking for any help they can get! Many turn to St. Joseph. Specifically, sellers often bury a St. Joseph statue in their yard as a way to encourage more interest in their homes. Customers often ask us how the tradition of burying a St. Joseph statue came to be.

There are several opinions on the St. Joseph tradition. The most commonly held belief is that the tradition can be linked to an order of European nuns who buried a St. Joseph medal (around A.D. 1515 - 1582) to seek his help in expanding their land. After a short time, they found out that their prayers had been heard and they received more land for their convent. Others link the practice to German carpenters who buried a statue of St. Joseph in each new foundation they built and prayed to him. Still other simply believe it is the fact that St. Joseph provided for Mary and Jesus, paired with his skills as a carpenter, that make him a great supporter and advocate for home sellers.

One aspect of the St. Joseph statue tradition/process that most can agree on is that after the home has sold, the St. Joseph statue should be removed from the ground and given a place of honor in your new home.

St. Joseph statues have always been a best seller at St. Patrick's Guild. Good luck!

Wine, Candle, Bread Sale!

2009-07-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

The famous St. Patrick's Guild July Wine Sale is happening now! Don't miss this opportunity to save on your altar needs for the next year. Or, make sure your parish knows so they can experience the savings!

Altar Wines - Buy 3 cases or more, save $5 per case.
Altar Candles - Buy 5 cartons and the 6th is free.
Altar Breads - Buy 5 cartons and the 6th is free.

Please visit http://www.stpatricksguild.com/page.htm?PG=JULYWINESALE for more information and deals.

Christian Garden Statues

2009-07-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year. You have been toiling in the garden for a month or two, things are looking great - but something is missing. The flowers and the greenery and the shrubbery need a focal point or centerpiece. A statue may be just the answer. As in our homes, consider displaying your faith in your garden. Above right, you see our Lady of Grace Outdoor statue. For a more affordable, but just as beautiful option, check out the Celtic Garden Rock with Irish Blessing (above left).

A few tips:

1) Decide whether you want your statue to be the center of attention or to blend in (the Lady of Grace statue could be a centerpiece, whereas the Celtic Rock with Irish Blessing would blend in beautifully with greenery). This will determine the size, type and subject of your statue.

2) Decide if you want the statue to commemorate something. A St. Francis statue (we have several), for example, might honor a passed family pet who is buried in your space. A Guardian Angel statue could pay homage to someone who is now looking down on you.

3) Take measurements! How much space do you have for the statue? It may even help to sketch out a design and specifications - especially if you're considering using more than one statue.

4) Consider accent pieces, too! Many gardeners choose stepping stones that lead to their statue, especially one that is religious in nature (i.e. if it will be walked to for prayer or simply quiet time).

5) If you live in a northern climate, remember that your statue can serve as beautiful decoration in the snow (or in the absence of plants and flowers).

Happy gardening!

Oldest Bible in the world goes online///

2009-07-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

This story was forwarded to us and wanted to pass along. Very interesting.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/06/ancient.bible.online/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Congress of the United States convenes its sessions with opening prayers. Around the 4th of July, those prayers are patriotic - and often rousing. When Congress is adjourned on the Fourth of July, holiday prayers are given by House and Senate chaplains either before July 4 or immediately upon reconvening.

Here is one from 1861 at the onset of the Civil War:

Almighty and everlasting God, be not angry with us for our sins, which we only confess and deplore; but pardon our offenses and extend to us Thy favor. We thank Thee for Thy goodness on this anniversary of the nation a day tenfold more precious by reason of our present troubles, and sacred to the heart for the ever memorable Declaration of our fathers, in which Thou didst begin more openly to give us a name among the nations of the earth. We thank Thee for all Thy manifold and abundant mercies hitherto to make our nation exceedingly great and glorious; but now disasters have befallen us and darkness broods in the land. And now we ask Thy mercy as the Senate is convening at a most momentous crisis of our history. Give to Thy servants all needed help. Add to their deliberations wisdom and unanimity, and profit and speed to their conclusion. Bless Thy servant, the President of the United States, our veteran Commander-in- Chief, and all that have functions in the civil and military power. May the angel of Thy presence walk in the Cabinet and in the Congress and in the camp, to go before, to purify, and to direct the now greatly and universally-awakened love of country. And we beseech Thee to guide us, to overrule and order all things, and so to cause that nothing shall fail, that the disorders of the land may be speedily healed, that peace and concord may prevail, that truth and righteousness may be established, and that Thy Church and Kingdom may flourish in a larger peace and prosperity, for Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. (Source: Congressional Globe, 37th Congress, first session, new series, 1, 4 July 1861.)

Happy 4th of July! Be safe and God Bless.

Christian Travel: Romero, 30 Years a Martyr

2009-06-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Center for Global Education (Augsburg College) is offering an international travel seminar in El Salvador with a Christian theme. CGE has offered such cross-cultural seminars since 1982.

Romero: Thirty Years a Martyr
March 19-28, 2010
In his day, Archbishop Oscar Romero courageously used his position to further the cause of human rights and peace in El Salvador. On March 24, 1980, Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass. Thirty years later, his vision for a peaceful and just El Salvador lives on. Join this travel seminar and take an in-depth look at the life, church, martyrdom, and continuing influence of Monsignor Romero as well as the current realities of El Salvador. You will join thousands of others in attending activities commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of Romero’s martyrdom. You will meet with various leaders and Salvadoran organizations to discuss the continuing impact of Romero’s life and work on the social fabric of El Salvador. Application deadline is December 14, 2009.

A bit of background on Romero:

Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (August 15, 1917– March 24, 1980) was a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in El Salvador. As archbishop, he witnessed ongoing violations of human rights and started a group which spoke out on behalf of the poor and victims of the Salvadoran civil war. In 1980, he was assassinated by a right-wing group headed as he finished giving his homily.

In 1997, a cause for beatification and canonization into sainthood was opened for Romero, and Pope John Paul II bestowed upon him the title of Servant of God. The process continues. He is one of the ten 20th century martyrs who are depicted in statues above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey in London.

Graduation: Congrats Guilders!

2009-06-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

The Guild wouldn't exist without our dedicated team of employees. A few are graduating high school this year and we're sending a few off to new pursuits in college and beyond. Congratulations Guilder graduates of 2009! Best of luck...Natalie DePalma, Sonja Desnick, Jon Schumacher and Teresa Doran.

Looking for a gift for your special graduate? Something meaningful? Check out our selection of inspirations graduation gifts at http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,2018.html

Bible Translation Resource

2009-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

The New American Bible, the New Jerusalem Bible, the New International Version…how to tell the difference between the many translations of the Bible? We get this question all the time, so we created a Bible comparison chart. Check it out at:

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/page.htm?PG=BibleComparison

Reverend Lee Piché Named Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

2009-06-09T07:19:00.001-07:00

News about new bishop for the Twin Cities readers out there...

http://www.archspm.org/

Wedding Season is Here!

2009-06-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

And it is here to stay until October. That’s right, the traditional wedding month of June is no longer the most popular. In fact, August and July have been more popular than June for the past three years, followed by September and October. Fall weddings are gaining major popularity as more brides and grooms attempt to avoid the busiest season. This article has some interesting history and facts about when people get married and why -

http://weddingplanning.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_most_popular_month_for_weddings

Congrats to all the couples-to-be of summer/fall 2009. For the attendees of these weddings, take a look at the Guild’s selection of gifts and mementos:

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/2,2446.html

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Welcome!

2009-06-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Your Family Spiritual Connection, a blog brought to you by the folks at St. Patrick’s Guild, a family-owned religious/spiritual goods store established in 1949 that serves all 50 states and beyond! To find out more about us, you can visit our website at www.stpatricksguild.com

Thank you for visiting us. We hope that this blog serves not only as a resource for your spiritual shopping needs, but also is a place you check for news, notes, product information, church happenings, helpful links, and book/music reviews.

If you check back often, you’ll be the first to hear about product arrivals and – best of all! – sales, including those just for our blog followers.