Saturday, November 1st, we celebrate all the saints who have gone before us and now share in the glory of heaven. May their example inspire us to live lives of holiness and joy!

Almighty God,

Thank You for the countless saints who followed You faithfully.

Help us to walk in their footsteps with courage and love,

so we may one day rejoice with them in heaven.

Amen.

______________________________________________________

  Sunday, November 2nd, we pray for all the faithful departed; our loved ones and souls in need of God's mercy. May perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in His peace.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, 

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

And may the souls of all the faithful departed, 

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

October: The Month of the Rosary & the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

October is a month especially dedicated to the Rosary, one of the most beloved and powerful devotions of the Church. This prayer, centered on the life of Christ and the intercession of His Blessed Mother, has brought peace, strength, and grace to countless souls for centuries.

At the heart of this devotion is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, established to commemorate the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Through the faithful praying of the Rosary, the Church was preserved from great danger; a reminder that Mary, our Mother, continues to intercede for us in times of need.

The Rosary is more than repetition of prayers; it is a meditation on the mysteries of Christ’s life, from the joy of His birth to the glory of His Resurrection. As St. John Paul II said, the Rosary “is, in fact, a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness.”

During this month, Catholics are encouraged to renew their devotion to the Rosary and there are many ways to do so, including praying it daily, introducing it to children, or praying it as a family.

At St. Mary’s Bookstore, we have many beautiful ways to support your devotion this month:

• Rosaries in a variety of styles and materials; perfect for personal prayer or as meaningful gifts.
• Rosary books and guides to help deepen meditation on the mysteries.
• Children’s rosary resources to help young ones fall in love with this prayer early in life.
• Statues and images of Our Lady to inspire prayer at home.

As October unfolds, may we turn more often to Our Lady, asking her to bring us closer to her Son. Let us take up our rosaries with faith and devotion, trusting in Mary’s powerful intercession.

Stop by St. Mary’s Bookstore or StMarysBookstore.com today to shop rosaries, rosary books, images of Mary and more!

“Pray the Rosary every day, in order to obtain peace for the world.” – Our Lady of Fatima

 

Discover the True Meaning of Halloween with All Hallows’ Eve by Anthony DeStefano

 

At St. Mary’s Bookstore, we love sharing stories that help families grow in faith and Anthony DeStefano’s beautiful children’s book All Hallows’ Eve does just that.

In today’s culture, Halloween is often reduced to costumes, candy, and spooky fun. While those traditions can be enjoyed, it’s easy to forget the true roots of the celebration.  The new book, All Hallows’ Eve, brings us back to the Christian meaning of the holiday, reminding children (and parents!) that Halloween is the vigil of All Saints’ Day, a time when we honor the heroes of our faith.

Through enchanting storytelling and vibrant illustrations, DeStefano guides readers to see Halloween not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness, and the joy of God’s love that conquers all.

This book is perfect for:

• Family story time in the weeks leading up to Halloween
• Catholic classrooms and parish groups wanting to teach children the faith-filled roots of the holiday
• Gifts for children and grandchildren as a meaningful alternative to spooky stories

Stop by St. Mary’s Bookstore or StMarysbookstore.com to pick up your copy of All Hallows’ Eve and help your family celebrate the season with faith, joy, and tradition.

Celebrate the Feast of the Archangels with St. Mary’s Bookstore

 Celebrate the Feast of the Archangels with St. Mary’s Bookstore

On September 29th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. These heavenly messengers remind us of God’s protection, guidance, and healing in our daily lives.

• St. Michael the Archangel is known as the protector and defender against evil.

• St. Gabriel the Archangel is the messenger of good news, famously announcing the coming of Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• St. Raphael the Archangel is the healer, guiding Tobias on his journey and bringing comfort to those in need.

This feast day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the ways the Archangels continue to intercede for us.

At St. Mary’s Bookstore, we have a variety of items to help you honor and celebrate this special day:

✨ Prayer Cards & Medals: Carry a reminder of the Archangels with you through beautifully designed prayer cards or medals of St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.

📚 Books on Angels: Deepen your understanding of the role angels play in salvation history and in our lives today with inspiring titles from Catholic authors.

🏠 Religious Art & Statues: Bring the Archangels into your home with stunning artwork or small
statues—perfect for a home altar or prayer corner.

🙏 Rosaries & Chaplets: Find rosaries and chaplets dedicated to St. Michael for special devotion.

The Feast of the Archangels is more than just a day on the calendar, it’s an invitation to strengthen our faith, seek heavenly assistance, and trust in God’s care. Stop by St. Mary’s Bookstore or StMarysBookstore.com this week to find the perfect items to help you celebrate and grow closer to these powerful protectors.

Restoring the Glory: The Art of Refinishing Metal Church Ware

 

Restoring the Glory: The Art of Refinishing Metal Church Ware

Chalices, Ciboria, candlesticks, tabernacles, and otherchurch ware hold profound significance in the Church.  These sacred vessels, made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and brass, are integral to the Mass.  Over time, however, age, wear, and tarnish can dull their once radiant beauty.  That’s when the art of refinishing comes into play, breathing new life into these cherished vessels.  In this blog post, we will delve into the process of refinishing metal church ware, showcasing the care, expertise, and reverence involved in restoring them to their original glory.

Metalware plays a vital role in the celebration of the Mass and other sacraments.  Their craftmanship, design, and materials carry rich history and significance.  Preserving their beauty and integrity is crucial to maintaining the spiritual significance they hold.

The restoration process begins with contacting your local Church Goods Dealer, such as us at St. Mary’s Bookstore.  We will inspect the pieces, take pictures, and send them off to one of our refinishing partners for a quote.  Once the quote is approved, the refinishing process begins. 

The refinishers will carefully assess the condition of the metal in close detail and come up with the proper refinishing techniques for each individual piece.  Before starting any restoration work, the items are meticulously cleaned to remove dirt, dust, and any remnants of wax or oil. 

Polishing is a key step in refinishing metal church ware.  A skilled artisan uses a combination of tools and techniques to remove tarnish, scratches, and other imperfections.  The artisan works diligently to ensure the original design details are preserved.  

If the church ware has suffered any damage over time, repairs may be necessary.  Skilled craftsmen can reshape bent pieces, mend broken parts, and replace missing elements, all while ensuring their security.  The restorers can keep the delicate balance of preserving the original craftsmanship and ensuring structural integrity.  Items are then polished and refinished in the base metal or electro-plated accordingly in either silver or 24k gold.

Refinishing these sacred vessels is a specialized art form that demands expertise and skill.  All of our refinishing partners have worked in the industry for over 75 years and are experts in their field.  They approach each restoration project with the utmost care, reverence, and commitment to honoring the sacredness of the church ware they work with.  These artisans take great care to maintain the original design and engravings of each piece.

Once the refinishing process is complete, your items are returned to you with their original beauty and glory restored.  The refinishing process can take anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks depending on the size and type of pieces and their current condition.

Proper care and storage, regular cleaning, and appropriate handling are essential to prevent future damage and to preserve the newly restored beauty of the sacred vessels.

Refinishing metal church ware is a labor of love, blending artistry, craftmanship, and reverence for sacred objects.  Through the hands of skilled artisans, these vessels are given a new life, restored to their original splendor, and ready to continue their service within the church.

For more information about how to get your metal church ware refinished, please call St. Mary's Bookstore at 615-329-1835 or email StMarysBookstore@gmail.com. 

St. Anthony of Padua, Patron of the Lost

 St. Anthony of Padua, whose feast is June 13^th, is popularly known as the patron saint of lost articles. Known for his remarkable ability to help individuals find what they have lost, he has captured the hearts and faith of countless believers throughout history.

St. Anthony was born Fernando in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195.  At the age of fifteen, he joined the Augustinian Order, but later joined the Franciscans after being inspired by a group of Franciscan martyrs in Morocco.  He took the name Anthony.  In 1221, St. Francis held a general meeting in Assisi; when the others dispersed, there lingered behind, unknown and neglected, a poor Portuguese friar, Anthony.

Anthony was soon recognized as a great teacher and preacher.  He taught theology to the other Franciscan friars and assumed more responsibility within the Order until his death at age 36.

Throughout his life, St. Anthony became known for his powerful intercessory in helping people find their lost possessions.  Numerous accounts testify to his intercession locating lost items, from documents to jewelry to keys and more.  These miraculous recoveries have continued to inspire faith in St. Anthony’s intercession and has earned him the title of Patron of Lost Articles.

While St. Anthony is popularly known as the patron of lost material possessions, his intercession goes beyond just physical objects.  The “lost” includes a broader sense of direction, purpose, and even lost souls in need of spiritual guidance.  St. Anthony’s compassion extends to all those who seek his help, offering comfort and hope to those who may feel lost in their various aspects of life.

In conclusion, St. Anthony of Padua is a beloved saint who has captured the heart and devotion of countless individuals seeking the recovery of lost items or lost direction in their lives.  With his remarkable ability to assist in finding lost possessions and his unwavering dedication to helping those who turn to him, he has rightfully earned the title of patron saint of lost articles.  Whether it is a misplaced trinket or a lost sense of purpose, the faithful continue to invoke St. Anthony’s intercession, finding consolation in his timeless example of selflessness and compassion.

St. Anthony, pray for us!

Read more about St. Anthony in "Antonio: A Story of St. Anthony of Padua" by Madeline Pecora Nugent, cfp and "Saint Anthony and the Christ Child" by Helen Walker Homan.  And for kids, "Anthony of Padua: Wonder Worker" by Barbara Yoffie.  Find holy cards, medals, and statues to honor St. Anthony at St. Mary's Bookstore and StMarysBookstore.com.

Father's Day Gift Guide

 Thoughtful Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18^th this year.  On Father’s Day we honor the fathers, grandfathers, Godfathers, and other father-figures in our lives.  It is the perfect opportunity to show them gratitude for their love, guidance, and support.  We have the perfect Father’s Day gifts for all of the father figures in your life:

Books

The Way of the Wilderness Warrior by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Riveting and accessible, this novelized account of the spiritual life is a hero's journey for our times. It tells the story of the conversion of a young man named Austin through the ministrations of a tough inner-city priest, Father Lawrence, who challenges nine college students to take a leap of faith on the path to holiness. As his friends set out for England, Ireland, and New York City, Austin heads for a remote monastery where he meets Fr. Aelred, a Benedictine hermit who guides him on the spiritual quest. Through a fictional dialogue, author Fr. Dwight Longenecker unveils a twelve-part plan for union with God that parallels the classic purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages of the spiritual life.

 

Holy Grit: ASaintly Guide to Becoming a Man of Virtue by Paul George

Discover what it means to become a man of faith through the lives of ten male saints and their experiences pursuing holiness. In Holy Grit, you’ll join Catholic life coach Paul George to consider some of the tough issues facing men today—struggles in marriage, parenting, suffering, and finding purpose—to determine areas for growth and take steps toward living the life for which God created you…Each chapter introduces a saint, offers practical takeaways for modern men, and includes reflection questions, an action plan, and a prayer.

 

Manual for Men by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted

Manual for Men is for men who are in the arena, warriors for Christ and His Church. It is for those men who battle daily for their souls and for their family. It is often a struggle to shed the sins and vices the world offers men, but it’s a battle we must fight and win…Manual for Men serves as a field guide and instruction manual for those husbands, fathers, sons and brothers who would become real men of God— men who protect, physically and spiritually, those entrusted to them; men who sacrifice, pray, fight, love, and live by the example of Christ. 

 

Puzzles

“Be Strong and Courageous”500 Piece Puzzle

These encouraging sentiments of the puzzles, along with their smooth interlocking pieces, will make for hours long frustration-free relaxation. The puzzle is made from recycled material and eco-friendly ink and makes an excellent gift for an environmentally conscious friend.  Perfect for any dad, grandad, uncle, or other father-figure looking for a fun, relaxing activity.

“The Lord is My Strength”500 Piece Puzzle

 

Journals

These rugged, handsome journals with great quotes make great gifts for all of the men in your life.  Whether for work notes, spiritual reflection, or just jotting down thoughts, these journals are thoughtful, beautiful gifts for Father’s Day.

 

Prayer Books

The “St. Joseph PrayerBook,” “Daily Companion for Men,” “St. Joseph Gems,” and other great Men’s prayer books are perfect Father’s Day gifts.  These prayer books provide just the right amount of encouragement and challenge to guide and inspire men of every age and way of life.  Help the men in your life enrich their prayer life with these wonderful prayer books.

Saint Socks

Saint socks are a fun way to have your patron saint or St. Joseph, patron of fathers, with you throughout the day.  Whether it is a saint you have a connect with such as St. Benedict or St. Michael or the saint of fatherhood, St. Joseph, there are a variety of saint socks which make fun gifts for all of the men in your life this Father’s Day.

Find these and more gifts for Father's Day at St. Mary's Bookstore and www.StMarysBookstore.com.  Wishing all of the fathers and father-figures a blessed Father's Day.

June 4th: Celebrating the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

 June 4^th: Celebrating the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

In the liturgical calendar, June 4^th holds great significance as it marks the celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.  The concept of the Holy Trinity is a central pillar of Christian theology.  It recognizes God as three distinct persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – united as one God.

The Role of the Father:  God the Father, the Creator, is the all-loving Father who watches over His Creation.

The Incarnation of the Son: The second person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, is the perfect union of divinity and humanity.  Jesus offers salvation and reconciliation with God.

The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, Comforter, and Helper.  It is through the Holy Spirit that God’s presence is felt and experienced, providing guidance, inspiration, and strength.

On the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, Christians are called to deepen their understanding and devotion to the triune nature of God.  The faithful are called to contemplate the immense love God has for us within this Divine unity and seek a personal relationship with each person of the Trinity.

May this celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity serve as a reminder of God’s infinite love for us.

June: Embracing the Sacred Heart of Jesus

As we step into the month of June, filled with the excitement of children on summer break, vacations, poolside reading, and the summer heat, we are also reminded that this month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The Sacred Heart represents the compassionate heart of Jesus, overflowing with love and mercy, and June provides a wonderful opportunity to embrace this devotion.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful symbol as the image depicts the heart of Jesus, surrounded by thorns and engulfed in flames of love.  This image of Jesus’ heart signifies His suffering, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to humanity.  It serves as a reminder of the infinite love Jesus has for each and every one of us.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has a long history within the Catholic Church.  It traces back to the revelations received by St. Margaret Mary Alocoque in the 17^th century.  Through her visions, she experienced the profound love of Christ and was entrusted with the mission to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart.

The month of June provides us with the perfect opportunity to deepen our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  It offers a chance to reflect upon the unconditional love and mercy that flow from His heart and inspires us to live lives rooted in compassion and kindness.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Litanyof the Sacred Heart, and participation in Mass are just some of the ways to honor the Sacred Heart.  Sacred Heart images, statues, holy cards, chaplets, and books are all great tools to help deepen our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As we journey through June, let us open our hearts to the transformative love of Christ and allow His Sacred Heart to guide us in all that we do and inspire us to extend that love to those around us. 

A Loaf of Bread and a Few Fish

 

A loaf of bread and a few fish is all He had to work with and yet He fed them with plenty left over. He's our perfect example and our great provider. He wants us to go and do the same. He wants us to put out our nets and work to bring people closer to Him. And how do we do His Will? How do we serve, teach and bring others to Christ? 

It is true we have beautiful displays in the store. But they do have a plan. They often tell a story about what's going on for the season or what's going on around the Diocese. They have a purpose and we hope and pray that they are leading our customers to what they need to live like Christ, to serve and to teach. Whether it's a space filled with book suggestions such as The Passion: Reflections on the Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ by Thigpen , The Last Hours of Jesus From Gethsemane to Golgotha by Gorman, The Life of Jesus: Seek and Find Sarah and Simon by Magnificat or The Holy Mass on Earth as it is in Heaven by O'Neill or gifts such as rosaries, medals, statues or crucifixes, for Baptisms or First Communions or Confirmations, for people coming into the Church at Easter or for personal use, our prayer every morning is that people receive what they need to lead a holy life and to bring everyone they may come into contact with along with them. A loaf and a few fish or a rosary and a few good books or a crucifix and a few candles; when we have something to work with, He can multiply our work and He can give us the grace and the means to serve and to make a difference, with enough left over for ourselves. 

The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle

The Feast of St. Thomas is tomorrow and we think it's a great time to contemplate his question to Jesus, "How can we know the way?" In our situation, we are daily questioned on product, on trust and on faith. "How do you choose what to buy? How do you decide what companies to trust, what publishers to carry? Do you have faith in the economy, in the choices of our leaders? Well, let's face it, like you, we put our trust and our faith in Jesus, in the belief in the power of His Spirit. The Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre gives us all the evidence we need to know that He is real. He is here. We do not have to put our hands in his wounds to know because He Himself tells us that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If we take time with Him at Mass and in prayer, in study and by caring for and loving one another, we know the very thing that St. Thomas witnessed. We know that Jesus is with us in the day to day decisions. We know that like St Thomas, we too can say with all certainty, as the Eucharist is raised, "My Lord and My God." And it is in that trust, that faith, that belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we make decisions that effect others and just like you, we depend on good authors and faithful vendors as well as recommendations from customers and friends, but most importantly, we rely on prayer. On this weekend, we especially pray for the leaders of our country and for all those who defend our freedom. We pray through the intercession of St. Thomas, that we, God's people,  put on hold all doubt, all skepticism, and seek together to find the Way, the Truth and the Life...our life, as one, in Jesus Christ.
 

Saved Sacramentals

"Sacramentals help draw us closer to Christ. With prayer and with the proper intention, the many beautiful sacramentals help us focus on that which is holy. Although we do not need them for salvation, sacramentals draw us into deeper devotion and prayer." - Amazing Graces

We love antiques. We have couches and chairs and desks handed down from our parents and their parents and aunts and uncles...well, you get it. They carry meaning. They have history. Many were handcrafted. Things are "just not made like they used to be." Point is, we love them mainly because they bring back memories. Good times. Joy. So, as we travel, we search through local antique stores and as we do, we find many of our beautiful sacramentals. Some are well displayed and cared for but often we find them dirty and mis-marked. We have begun collecting and cleaning our sacramental finds and putting them in the store so they can go to new homes that appreciate and love them as we do. Looking up the history and thinking about who could have had these pieces in their homes has become a true joy. The statue of the Blessed Mother that was prayed in front of for the son or daughter going off to war. The picture of the Sacred Heart that blessed the multi-family home because of His promise "I will bless every place where a picture of my Heart is exposed and honored." The crucifix with the rubbed smooth feet of Jesus from constant prayers by a husband for his wife each time she gave birth. These beautiful gifts of grace carry meaning and are meant to bring us closer to Christ, to His Mother, to the Saints and to the joy of our faith. They draw us into prayer and help us to focus on our journey to become Saints. Our Saved Sacramentals section has become a very popular area inside the store. And, well, it should. Our customers love the history and the stories as much as we do! 

Let's Start a New Tradition

 We are in a season of change and we have been in a year of challenge. So, let's challenge ourselves to change things up and start a new family tradition!

Whether we are a small or large family, whether we live alone or with a few or with many, we can all use the help of those who have gone before us, namely the SAINTS.

 As we know, November 1 is All Saints Day and what a great day to choose a patron for our homes for a year; maybe a Saint we are unfamiliar with or one we've been meaning to read more about or one who would be great for our children. 

This year, choose a saint and let us know who you choose! Put a statue or a prayer card or a picture of him or her in a prominent place in your house. (Good excuse to visit St. Mary's)

Once a month find a prayer related to your saint or read passages from a book or watch a movie. Do something each month that brings you closer to your Patron For a Year! Our prayer is that your Patron protects and guides and brings your family great joy! Please remember to share your Saint!

Once a month, discover more about your saint by sharing passages in a book or stories you've heard. Do something each month that brings you closer to your patron!

Face Masks - Less Mouth, More Eyes

Before reopening 4 weeks ago, we made signs for the front and back doors that stated we are following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and asking coworkers and customers to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth while inside the store and to try to keep a reasonable distance between ourselves and others while shopping. We are so glad to be reopened! We think these requests are minor. We set up a station at the front door with hand sanitizer and free bandanas in case people who want to shop have come unprepared to cover their faces. We offer curbside service for anyone who does not feel comfortable wearing a mask and we have made many, many local deliveries for customers unable or unwilling to leave their houses. We love our customers, we love our store and we want to stay open to the public. We consider ourselves somewhat essential to the local churches for communion bread and sanctuary lights to keep the light of Christ burning.

Trust us. We get it. We have heard every pro and con, every negative and positive, everything about good and evil. As you all can imagine, there is something every day about the request to wear a mask.
But here's what we have learned from serving people through "the mask". We all know that the masks are hot and irritating. We all know that when going up and down four flights of stairs, it is difficult to breathe (heck it's difficult without a mask most days). But what we've discovered is that we must have been watching people's mouths all these years to hear what they say. We must have been thinking about our response for when their mouths stop moving instead of really listening to what they say. The covering of the mouth has made us actually look into the eyes and truly listen, carefully, to what people are telling us or asking. The mask forces us to ask people to repeat things because honestly, we don't always really listen - with the heart. The book, "The Power of Silence", emphasizes the importance of listening with the heart. We are learning how to keep our mouths closed and our minds silent but it is quite the journey. Shutting off the ability to see lips move has literally allowed us to practice what Cardinal Sarah has written. We can only hope to form better habits. We can only hope to find some kind of good from all these challenges. We can only hope and pray to learn more about the care and love of people, deep in their souls.

We cannot tell you, our customers, how grateful we are for each and every one of you. You are our support. You are our livelihood. You are our teachers. You are our neighbors and our friends. We cannot grow without you. After being without for 10 or more weeks, we know how important you are to our physical, spiritual and mental well being. Together let's try not to allow the face mask, a material irritant, to separate us, but instead to help us open our eyes and really see others. We may be surprised at how much we need one another and how much they need us.

"You may be writing, and the fullness of your heart will come to your hand also. Your heart may speak through your writing. Your heart may speak through your eyes also. You know that when you look at people they must be able to see God in your eyes. If you get distracted and worldly then they will not be able to see God like that. The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. That is the fullness of our heart expressing itself in many different ways." St Teresa of Calcutta

Welcome to the Church

This week has reminded me of how much I love our soon to be new Catholics coming into the store and sharing their excitement of the long awaited entry into Full Communion.  It's an amazing time to be sharing faith stories, and, for all of us, to be receiving the Body of Christ again at Mass inside our churches. It's as if we are all in a kind of celebration stage!
As you can imagine, people often ask us, "What is a good gift for someone coming into the Church?"
One wonderful book that we highly recommend is "Amazing Graces: The Blessings of Sacramentals". Not only does it give the history of our beautiful Sacramentals but it also gives testimony of how people have used Sacramentals to draw closer to Christ. Each chapter concludes with a prayer that ties the use of the Sacramentals to our faith journey.
Rosaries are always a great gift along with gift boxes or pouches to put them in. We have crosses with the RCIA symbols on them or Crucifixes that make wonderful gifts as well. If someone has taken a patron for Confirmation, we have many items specific to the Saints and if unsure, we have the ever popular Four-Way medal which includes a Scapular medal, a miraculous medal, St. Joseph and St. Christopher medals and some (Five Way) include the Holy Spirit on the center. These medals usually have inscribed on the back, "I am a Catholic". We have prayerbooks with nice covers that have simple short prayers for every day and we recommend to inscribe the books with a short note and the date. No matter the gift you choose, let us as always take time to pray for one another. Let us as always take time to listen to one another. Let us always take time to encourage one another in Faith. Everyone has a story and through the work of the Holy Spirit, they are all amazing!
We are open 9-3 Monday - Saturday (please wear a face mask) but you can always browse our website at www.stmarysbookstore.com and we are happy to curbside deliver.

Choosing a First Communion Gift

Whether you choose a First Communion gift that is specific to the Sacrament of Communion or simply what you feel the child would like, every gift can be memorable and special. We want to choose a gift to help a child not only remember their special day but also to further their prayer life and draw them closer each day to Jesus. How can we help?

Every day we are asked by parents and grandparents and friends and neighbors, aunts and uncles and godparents, WHAT is a good present for First Communion?

We highly recommend that parents and grandparents give the more traditionally "personal" gifts, such as, a rosary, a prayer book, a bible or a crucifix. Godparents may want to go with a piece of jewelry such as a cross or a bracelet with a chalice (we offer great masculine bracelets). Aunts and uncles may like to give a rosary box or pouch or a communion frame. Friends and neighbors can choose from many, many books about First Communion or the Mass. We suggest if anyone chooses to give a book, whether specific or general, that they personalize the inside with the date and a message for the child's special day. Other choices, in general, include medals, figurines and books of saints, bookmarks, crosses with communion symbols or a special message, and music boxes.
First Communion Day is a very special time for our children and we are aware that you want to keep the momentum of that day going forever. Let us help you choose something special.

Bible Translations

Customers often ask us, "What is the difference between these Bibles? Why are there different translations and which one should I choose?" We first ask, "What are you looking for in a Bible? Do you want to follow the readings at Mass or are you wanting something for study? Would you like a connection to the Catechism, more original language, lots of commentary, no commentary?" 

First let me say, I am certainly no Bible scholar but with the help of the USCCB (Conference of Bishops) and great websites such as Catholic Answers, I can help people choose a good fit for their life with the Scriptures. The first bit of info you need to figure out is whether you want a literal or dynamic translation. Literal translations are great for study because they "stick close to the original (text), even preserving much of the original word order." The most traditional literal translation is the Douay Rheims. Slightly less traditional but one widely used for study is the RSV (Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition). The Ignatius Study Bible is a RSV Translation as well as the Great Adventure Bible, the Navarre Bible and the Didache Bible that includes commentary from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (We have others as well from Scepter and Tan).

Because literal translations can be difficult to read, publishers have produced more readable Bibles using dynamic language. The meaning of the text is preserved but translators use better English style and word choices to make the Bible more readable. The NAB (New American Bible) uses dynamic language and the New Jerusalem Bible, Good News and NIV (New International Version) use what's considered very dynamic language. 

The NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) is considered a more literal translation but it uses the 

"'gender inclusive language,' which tries to translate the original text into a modern 'gender neutral' cultural equivalent. When you read the NRSV you will often encounter 'friends,' 'beloved,' and 'brothers and sisters,' and then see a footnote stating 'Gk brothers.' The NRSV also shows a preference for using 'God' and 'Christ' when the original text says 'he.'" (direct quote from Catholic Answers because it is so well explained)

After these differences, we really just give choices of different features within each Bible. Some include maps, pictures, prayers, lots of commentary, cross references, etc. There are journaling versions, lectio (prayer) versions and Catholic answer versions. There are youth editions and children editions. 

We carry many choices because we want people to fall in love with Scripture and we know that our customers are in different places in their journey. As said so beautifully on the CD Lectio Prayer, "Prayer is us talking to God. Scripture is God talking to us." We want to understand what he wants us to hear. We want to "get His message". We need to choose a Bible we can understand and most importantly one we will read. We hope you find this helpful for your journey. You may find that you want more than one translation as you grow in love with His Word. Let us know if we can help!

Happy New Year

It's been quite a year and like every year before we have had our ups and downs, good times and bad times, joys and sorrows. But unlike years before, I have listened and I have learned and I have discovered something beautiful at St. Mary's Bookstore. Owning and running a small business, a small family business, a small Christian family business can be tough.  It can also be rewarding. No new news there. However, as Nashville has grown by leaps and bounds and we have slowly become one of the smallest buildings on West End (at 4 stories high), we have also become a place for out-of-towners to wander in and shop or simply visit.  I cannot tell you how many times a week we hear, "Wow! We've traveled all over the country and never seen a religious bookstore and gift shop this beautiful." or "Wow! I thought Nashville didn't have a large number of Catholics. What are you doing here?" In the past I'd think, "Well, you have no idea how hard we work to maintain this place" or "Well, we hope we're doing the work of Jesus Christ."  And we hope we are, but here's the kicker! I have come to realize under no uncertain terms how grateful I am to our regular customers. To those of you who come when your children are receiving the sacraments. To those who come to the store just during Easter and Christmas. To those of you who visit more frequently, who find unusual gifts for birthdays or who just want to shop the latest and greatest books. To all of you who support St. Mary's and our families, I want to thank you for maintaining this beautiful place so when out-of-towners visit and say, "Wow! You're diocese is lucky to have such a beautiful place," we can simply say, "thank you, we are blessed." Because it's not about how many churches we drag all our merchandise to or schools we visit with St. Nicholas shops or sacramental goods, or deliveries we make. It's not about long hours or monetary rewards.  It's about you supporting us for all these years and helping us to be a store for the diocese that we can all be proud of.  It's all about your goodness and your kindness and your stories and your suggestions.  This year I've realized that no matter how hard we work, nothing compares to the love and support of all of you.  You make us look good. You are the reason people from out of town say, "We love this place." Our family may be the head but you are the heart and soul of St. Mary's. You are the hands and the feet of Christ. Whether you visit once a year or once a month or once a week, the path you make helps to continue a path that hopefully leads us all a little closer to Jesus Christ. For all of this and so much more, our families thank you and we wish you all a blessed New Year!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018

We all know Jesus is the REAL reason for the season. So...while we are picking out toys for children or clothes for adults, why not give a religious gift that reminds us why we celebrate Christmas? Here are some of our gift and stocking stuffer suggestions for every age group!

Mom/Grandmother

Pearl Rosaries $25-50
Bible in a Year: Your Daily Encounter with God $29.95
Daily Companion for Women $8.95
SS Miraculous Medals $35-60

Dad/Grandfather

4-5 Way SS Medals $35-60
Daily Companion for Men $8.95
Bible in a Year: Your Daily Encounter with God $29.95
Wood Rosaries $12-40

Child/Godchild

Saint Bracelets $7-14
Tiny Saints $5.50
Fontanini - My First Nativity Set (6pc) $115


More gifts can be found on our website (www.stmarysbookstore.com) or in our store (1909 West End Ave, Nashville, TN)

Pre-Christmas Sale

Most years we go to market with the expectation of finding exciting new products to offer our customers. This year was no different and we are thrilled for you to see our beautiful new lines. While separating products and preparing to display at Christmas Village, we have found some great gifts from last year that will not match our new themes. Consequently, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! 

Come shop our pre-Christmas sale! Items marked down drastically for you to get in front of your gift buying. Along with Christmas items, we have other sale merchandise displayed in St. Luke's Loft. The Loft will remain a space to share a taste of Mystic Monk coffee, enjoy a good visit, or look through old books, and now shop our closeouts. 

Please come visit and while enjoying your local Christian Bookstore and Gift Shop, maybe even get some good deals!