By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent
There is no greater gift that a person can receive than the one God has already given mankind – salvation through His son, Jesus Christ. But at this time of year, when Christians around the world remember the first and most blessed gift of Christmas, showing love to others through gift-giving reins supreme. Rhode Island Catholic seeks to make gifting easier by sharing Catholic companies, both local and online, to support this Christmas season.
Faith and Grace Designs
Kristina Petrilli and Shirley Medici bring the beauty of art and Catholicism together through greeting cards and stationery. In a written statement, the pair explained their company’s purpose. “We felt there was a need for cards that incorporate scripture relating to the events of people’s everyday lives — from loss, to illness, to joyous occasions. We felt it was difficult to find cards that truly incorporate biblical scripture.”
Based in Warwick, Petrilli’s visual creations accompany Medici’s inspirational words to produce these charming cards for various occasions, including four new sacrament cards. “For every card created, we both work together from inception through creation, side by side, so that each card is a small scriptural journey which becomes an actual work of art.”
“As we approach our third ‘birthday,’ we reflect with gratitude and joy for the gifts God has given us. We feel most grateful for our journey, and the people we have met along the way and inspired by our work.”
Orders can be placed online, and cards can be found in several local stores such as The Savory Grape in East Greenwich and Cocktail Hour Essentials in West Warwick. The full list of local merchants can be found at the Faith and Grace website:www.faithandgracedesignstudios.com.
Tally’s
Fifth-generation family-owned Tally’s in Cranston offers a variety of religious goods — Rosaries, icons and wall décor, Nativity sets and even clergy apparel for the priest on every Catholic’s shopping list. Tally’s calls itself “New England’s oldest family-owned church supply business.” Irish immigrant Patrick Tally established the store in 1879 and today it is owned by his great-great grandchildren. The store boasts a wide selection of Catholic gifts not only for Christmas, but sacraments like first Communion.
The store is located in Cranston, but orders can be placed online or through the print catalogue. To learn more, visit www.tallys.com.
Sacred Heart Tea
An online supplier of loose-leaf teas, Sacred Heart Tea named their unique blends after various saints. They stock a wonderful variety of black, herbal and rooibos teas dedicated to the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and many others. They even have a Communion of Saints sampler, the perfect gift for the tea aficionado.
How do tea and Catholicism blend together? Owner Jenifer explained: “Here at Sacred Heart Tea we believe that simple joys are holy moments. We’re on a mission to nurture holy moments in the chaos of life.”
“We understand how busy life can get, and that’s why we’ve created a range of teas that can help you to take a moment to yourself, to reflect on your faith and to remember that you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Our hope is that each cup of Sacred Heart Tea will be a reminder to say, ‘Jesus, hide me in Your Sacred Heart because it is there I find solace from the storms of life.’”
Teas can be purchased through their online store: www.sacredhearttea.com.
Gabriel’s Trumpet Book and Gift Store
At this Coventry Catholic bookstore and gift shop, customers are made to feel right at home. When a visitor walks into Gabriel’s Trumpet, chances are they will be greeted with a smile and offered a cup of coffee. Not only is the store entirely volunteer-run, but it also donates proceeds from sales to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Gabriel’s Trumpet offers a wide-variety of items for shoppers in every stage of their life. This Christmas, customers will find boxed cards, ornaments, Advent items, memorial gifts, books, jewelry, children’s gifts and much more. The volunteers make every effort to provide a comfortable, friendly space that will be spiritually enriching for volunteers and customers, an environment that could not be matched by an online bookstore.
For more information, or to volunteer, please call 401-823-4884. Gabriel’s trumpet is located at 477 Washington St. (Rte. 117), Coventry.
