In anticipation of Christmas, the Denver Catholic Register has compiled a list of 10 gift-giving ideas for “on-fire” Catholics. Most items listed support ministries and communities, who burning with the light of Christ, work to support others.
Homemade butter cookies
The Capuchin Poor Clare nuns at Our Lady of Light Monastery at 3325 Pecos St. in Denver, bake and sell made-from-scratch Clarisa’s Cookies in four flavors: coconut, orange, cinnamon and vanilla. Proceeds support their cloistered community. A 1.5-pound box is $13. Order at www.capuchinpoorclares.org, call 303-458-6339 or email denver.capclares@gmail.com.
Coffee roasted by monks
Buy gourmet roasted coffee from monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel living in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Selections include dark roast, organic beans and flavored coffees; as well as accessories and tea. Visit www.mysticmonkcoffee.com or call 877-751-6377.
Sacred music
The “Mater Eucharistiae” sacred music CD contains 15 selections recorded by the Dominican Sisters of Mary in Ann Arbor. The August release includes ancient traditional music as well as new pieces arranged by the sisters. Order online at www.sistersofmary.org or by mailing a $20 check to: “Mater Eucharistiae” music, 4597 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Monastery flower cards
Cistercian (Trappist) Monks of St. Benedict Monastery in Snowmass produce notecards featuring indigenous plants that thrive around their monastic home. A set of 10 cards with envelopes costs $19.95. Purchase online at www.monasterygreetings.com, which includes gifts from many more religious orders; or call 1-800-472-0425.
Beeswax spa products
EarthLinks provides a work program, in a garden and workshop, for people who are homeless and low-income. Products they create, including beeswax soap, bookmarks and votive holders, are sold to support their community. Shop online at www.earthlinks-colorado.org, call 303-389-0085 or visit the store at 2828 Larimer St. in Denver; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Products to rebuild lives
According to Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the Church, when giving a gift from their catalog: “You’re giving twice: once to that special person on your list and once to someone living in poverty overseas.” Items range from a modest $20 school uniform for a student, to $500 to provide counseling for a former child soldier. Gifts serve people-in-need around the globe regardless of race, religion or nationality. Shop online at http://gifts.crs.org or call 1-877-435-7277.
Anything made of olive wood
Olive wood from the Holy Land is carved into religious articles such as rosaries, Nativity sets and Christmas ornaments, among many other items by Bethlehem Handicrafts. The cooperative, founded by the Bannoura family in Aurora, brings Bethlehem to the United States, while supporting Christians in the Holy Land. Visit www.bethlehemhandicrafts.com or call 720-201-7193.
Scripture candles and soap
Handmade items from Tree of Life Products are scented to “keep your nose in the Bible.” Each candle depicts a Bible verse to encourage customers to look it up and get engaged in the narrative. Most items run $6-$7, custom candles $38; all items can be purchased online at www.treeoflifecandles.com.
Flameless religious candles
Flameless electric candles, hand-assembled by a Denver family-owned business Eternal Lite Candles, provide a safe and beautiful alternative to traditional candles. They are particularly good for children, elderly and hospital patients. Most candles—depicting Jesus, Mary, saints and angels—are $19.99, custom candles are $59.99. Visit www.eternal-lite-candles.com or call 303-995-0416.
Good news publications
To share the good news of the Church with family or friends, consider purchasing a gift subscription to a Catholic publication such as the Denver Catholic Register or National Catholic Register. Visit www.denvercatholicregister.org/join or call 303-715-3230 for the DCR; or www.ncregister.com/info/subscribe or 1-800-421-3230 for the NCR.
