Shop Catholic

For those of you who aren't quite done with their Christmas shopping yet*, consider this great perspective from Patti Maguire Armstrong:

If one only looked at the numbers and buying trends, it would seem Catholic stores are doomed. But if variables such as faith, prayer, and ministry are added in, then they have the tools to overcome. Catholic bookstore owners possess characteristics superior to digital service and share a common trait:  a deep love for their faith. Selling books and gifts is secondary to loving God, their faith and their fellow man. You cannot get that online.

I am very blessed to live near a Catholic bookstore owned by members of my parish and can personally attest to the fact that this is a ministry first and a business second.  The level of service to area parishes and customers often takes me aback in this modern era of business-like practices.  It is truly a pleasure to shop there and from someone who kind of hates shopping, that's quite a statement!  Sure, Amazon may be easier but if you can please try to support your closest Catholic book store.  We need them to stay in business so they can continue to minister in a face-to-face way to those in our community!

*I hope I'm not the only one!