Dear Parishioners,
We recently held our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Columbia Centennial Museum, where we were able to provide an afternoon out and a nice meal to the over 130 volunteers from the various ministries of the parish who were able to attend. Over the summer months, I will bring a few of these ministries into a greater focus through my monthly column, highlighting first our parish Gift Store. It is well more than just a place where we sell Catholic-themed gifts, art, or books. It is a gathering place where parishioners and visitors alike may stop by to browse, and end up sticking around for conversation and fellowship. Many times, these interactions are the first direct connection a visitor or new parishioner has with the parish.
Gail Lewis, the manager of the Gift Store describes the ministry: “Fr. Andrew Reitz, OFM, and I opened the store in 2009. I was employed with Ann Taylor stores for 17 years when, in 2008, many positions were eliminated as well as mine due to the global financial crisis. Fr. Andrew knew my history in retail, including my graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, which is only four blocks from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Small world.
The gift shop has grown in many wonderful ways over these past 16 years. Our merchandise offerings have expanded to not only include medals, holy cards, and rosaries, but icons and statues from Italy, and fair trade items from Kenya, Bethlehem, India, and Thailand.
We also pride ourselves in carrying items made in the U.S.A by women-owned businesses. Michal Golan, NYC, makes beautiful jewelry with semi-precious stones. Deborah from MG Rosary in Texas makes rosary bracelets that are a top seller. We have coffee from Catholic Coffee in North Carolina, Nelson Fine Arts from Steubenville provides us with cards, ornaments, and icons. McVan has been a main stay with sterling medals and crucifixes made here in the States as well. We have so much more but come in and see for yourself.
The Gift Shop isn’t only about providing items for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. We are the face of Sacred Heart Church. We have customers who have never been in a Catholic church or gift store and are looking for something peaceful or comforting as a gift, or for themselves. We help people who are looking for the church office and stumble upon us. We are able to give them direction based on their needs. We have people from churches all over the diocese come to us for their Sacramental gifts. We hope to offer a warm and welcoming environment to all. Come visit soon.”
Here are a few words from the many wonderful volunteers that help make Sacred Heart Gift Shop successful.
“I love volunteering for the Gift Shop! Not only do we offer beautiful religious items, we also provide a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to parishioners and visitors from around the world.” | Esther Holder
“Volunteering at the Gift Store serves as a welcoming space for newcomers and visitors. By assisting them, I feel I help create a positive atmosphere that reflects the values of Sacred Heart Church.” | JoJo Duncan
“The Gift Shop is a lovely little shop that brings Christians together who are looking for the perfect gift, or something for their home. I love the staff and the people I meet there.” | Aprile Black
“I love volunteering at the Gift Shop because I truly enjoy the fellowship and the sweetest parishioners at Sacred Heart. Each time I volunteer I either learn something new or I meet someone new and it’s such a blessing. Also, Gail hand picks some of the most beautiful items for retail at the gift shop.” | Nia Adams
“I volunteer at the Sacred Heart Gift Shop because it is such a joyful and uplifting place. I enjoy helping someone find that special item – whether it speaks to their own faith or makes the perfect gift for someone they care about.” | Catherine Sanders
“There are many folks who stop in from all over the country, even further…all unique and happy folks!! The shoppers are all willing to communicate and share a bit of their own story, most saying it is almost impossible to find a shop such as ‘our shop!’…So True!” | Arlene Cardinal
“I enjoy being in the Gift Shop because of the beautiful things and also the beautiful atmosphere that is created by everybody that works there. Your leadership and eye for beauty has created a wonderful atmosphere to be in whenever I’m in the Gift Shop. It’s a place that I know I can always find something beautiful as a gift and also feel beautiful when I’m there and when I leave, thank you always for that feeling.” | Deb Shannon
“I love the Gift Shop because I love giving back” | Debi Egan
If you would like to find out more information on how you could volunteer at the Gift Store, you can e-mail Gail or better yet stop, in the store and have a chat!
Our many ministries are able to thrive and continue because of all of our dedicated volunteers.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike
