A Christmas Letter from the Director
As we approach the beautiful and sacred season of Christmas, I find myself reflecting on what a privilege it is to serve as Director of the Catholic Marketing Network. Every day I am reminded of the incredible people who make up our CMN family—Catholic business owners, ministries, and creatives who work tirelessly to bring Christ’s light into the world.
But as inspiring as these efforts are, Christmas itself reminds us of something even greater. At its heart, Christmas is not about what we do—it is about what God has already done. In His infinite love, He chose to come to us as a child, small and humble, to dwell with us and save us. That manger in Bethlehem holds the greatest truth the world has ever known: Emmanuel, God with us.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the season—decorations, Yet the deeper invitation of Christmas is to pause, hearts. Just as Mary and Joseph welcomed Him with welcome Him into the busyness of our lives.
My prayer for each of you is that this Christmas will be more than a celebration—it will be an encounter—an encounter with Christ who comes to us in simplicity, in silence, in love. May your families be blessed with peace, your homes filled with joy, and your hearts renewed with the hope that only Jesus brings.
From all of us at CMN, Merry Christmas! Let us of this season, but of all we do.
From all of us at CMN, Merry Christmas! Let us continue to keep Christ at the center—not only of this season, but of all we do.
In Christ through Mary,
In Christ through Mary,
Catalina Galbraith Director, Catholic Marketing Network
Catalina Galbraith Director, Catholic Marketing Network
My prayer for each of you is that this Christmas will encounter—an encounter with Christ who comes families be blessed with peace, your homes filled hope that only Jesus brings.
“Concise
— Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register
Explaining ThE FaiTh SEriES
By Fr. Chris Alar, MIC
Why is the Catholic Church different from any other church? It has the seven Sacraments in their fullness — not just symbols, but God’s guaranteed grace. They are biblical, instituted by Christ and entrusted to His Church. In the Sacraments, it is Christ Who acts and communicates His grace! In this latest entry in his Explaining the Faith series of books, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, answers such questions as: Why do we baptize infants? Where is Confession in the Bible?
Is my marriage valid? And many more!
Give the gift of inspiring vocational stories this Christmas
• Your $100 gift will provide 11-year-olds and 11th grade students with vocational materials for boys and girls
• 11 Power Priests, 11 Power Sisters books and Vianney Vocations curriculum will be delivered to parish youth leaders or Catholic schools of your choice or
• 3 hardcover Power Priests and 3 hardcover Power Sisters books for libraries or school and parish leaders
• All $100+ givers will receive a signed personal hardcover book of choice.
Books are also available for purchase on Amazon or fromheavenbooks.com (see QR code)
Everyone is searching for heroes. In these extraordinary Catholic athletes, teens will discover role models who prove that true strength comes from faith. Their stories of courage, discipline, and devotion will inspire readers to live boldly for Christ on and off the field.
From the bestselling author of Power Priests and Power Sisters comes another unforgettable collection, showing how the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul can be lived out through the world of sports.
Some of the stars who turned their talents into testimonies include:
• Olympic distance runner Lopez Lomong
• WNBA star Caitlin Clark
• Former NFL quarterbacks Philip Rivers & Roger Staubach
• Olympic gymnast Dominque Dawes
• NFL kicker Harrison Butker
• Former MLB 5X all-star Mike Sweeney
• Former NBA stars Kobe Bryant & Gordon Hayward
• Global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo
• Olympic record holding swimmer Katie Ledecky
Pre-order at fromheavenbooks.com Available December 5, 2025
Liquid Gold of the Mediterranean: A Gift Steeped in Faith and Tradition
Like so many of us, my days are full—family, work, health, and the surprises life brings. Yet even in the busyness, God has a way of planting something new in our hearts.
For years, my work took me overseas, guiding pilgrimages to France, Italy, Spain, and Israel. In each sacred place, we walked where saints had prayed, where miracles had unfolded, and where centuries of faith had been lived. Along the way, I discovered something unexpected—a humble gift from creation that has nourished body and soul for thousands of years: the olive.
The olive tree is one of the oldest symbols of peace and blessing in Scripture. From the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to the rolling groves of Spain, I tasted extra virgin olive oil as it was meant to be—fresh, pure, and deeply rooted in tradition. Families across generations had perfected their craft, producing oil so fragrant and flavorful it seemed almost a prayer in itself.
When I returned home, I longed to share that experience. But the olive oil I found here lacked the life and richness I remembered. I began to research, to learn, and to seek out the same high- quality oils and vinegars I had enjoyed overseas—what Mediterranean people call their “liquid gold.”
Today, that calling has become Gettysburg Olive Oil Co., branded as Catholic Olive Oil—a mission-driven business that brings together the finest flavors of the Mediterranean with the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith. Every bottle tells a story, with labels featuring images from my pilgrimages to shrines and churches around the world.
I personally curate every olive oil and balsamic vinegar from places I have visited, working directly with small, family-owned groves whose owners I know by name. These artisans produce in small batches, using all-natural, organic ingredients and infusing their oils with flavors as pure and vibrant as the lands they come from.
For five years, I ran a storefront, welcoming customers in person. But over time, I realized that I could reach and evangelize far more by moving fully online—connecting with people across the country and even around the world who are hungry for both healthy, exquisite food and the treasures of our Catholic heritage.
Catholic Olive Oil is more than a product—it’s a bridge. A bridge between the ancient groves of the Mediterranean and the kitchens, tables, and hearts of those who cherish faith, family, and the beauty of God’s creation.
Christmas Pairing Suggestions
Nativity Night Appetizer
Warm artisan bread with rosemary- infused olive oil.
Holy Land Salad
Fresh greens with pomegranate seeds, feta, and a drizzle of balsamic.
Epiphany Feast
Lamb or roast chicken with a lemon-olive oil marinade.
Pilgrim’s Gift Sets
Bethlehem Blessing
A bottle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil + Holy Land herbs.
Rome in Winter
A rich, dark balsamic vinegar + Italian herb olive oil.
Mary’s Table
Delicate citrus olive oil + fig balsamic, perfect for fish and light salads.
Father Hugh Duffy, Ph.D.
In this memoir, Fr. Hugh Duffy, Ph.D., chronicles his more than 50year jour ney as a Catholic pr iest in Ireland and the United States, revealing the complex and often painful str uggle between his vocation to ser ve the gospel and navigating the institutional Church. Through his vivid personal accounts, he relates his battles against cor r uption, false accusations, altered personnel files, and Diocesan abuse of “Cor poration Sole” power while retaining his unwaver ing commitment to ser ve those in need.
To or der from the publisher with your smar tphone, open your Camera app and point it at the QR code below. Hold your phone steady for a few seconds, and a notification button or link should appear on the scr een.
“You Duped Me, O Lord needed to be written and it needs to be read—not to shame the Church, but to help reform it by calling it back to its foundational mission. ”
—Martin Sheen
The Catholic Pilgrimage Passport
Our story began October 2023 after a family road trip across the United States, during which the concept for a nationwide catholic pilgrimage passport was born. Upon returning home our mission began! After over a year of planning, writing, and designing the passport and its unique stamps, we founded Saint James Media as a small family-owned publishing company. In March of 2025 we launched our flagship product The Catholic Pilgrimage Passport: US Edition. We crafted this valuable guide to make holy journeys lasting and shareable, inviting Catholics to explore America’s sacred sites and chronicle their spiritual growth. This Christmas, it’s the perfect gift for individuals, families, and Catholic communities seeking a faithfilled keepsake.
What led us to create the Passport? A desire to evangelize in a world craving a connection to Christ. As lifelong Catholics, we have witnessed the power of sacred spaces to stir hearts—whether a grand basilica or a quiet shrine. We envisioned a keepsake that not only guides pilgrims to these sites but also invites them to journal their experiences, creating a lifelong adventure. Pouring our heart and soul into
crafting a tool that makes pilgrimages accessible, meaningful, and joyful for all ages, was just the beginning of this apostolate. The Catholic Pilgrimage Passport: US Edition includes every U.S. cathedral, basilica, national shrine, and UNESCO World Heritage churches covering all fifteen regions of the U.S. established by the USCCB. Pilgrims chronicle each visit with unique ink stamps, available at each site, or use the included sticker pack when stamps are unavailable. This durable, heirloom-quality book is more than a guide—it is a companion for a lifelong journey of faith.
The mission of The Catholic Pilgrimage Passport is to inspire Catholics to grow closer to God by embarking on pilgrimages that deepen their connection to our rich Catholic faith. Rooted in the Church’s call to evangelization, the Passport invites individuals, families, and youth groups to visit sacred sites, pray, reflect, and journal their encounters with Christ. Each stamp and journal entry becomes a testament to God’s grace, fostering a lifelong spiritual adventure that strengthens faith and builds up the Church.
The Catholic PilgrimagePassport
Established 2023
How does the Passport draw you closer to God? It does so by guiding you to some of the Church’s holiest places in America, experiencing the transformative power of being in God’s presence and walking in the footsteps of those who have come before us, often facing the same struggles we face today. Either in cathedrals aglow with sacred art, basilicas echoing with prayer, or shrines radiating peace, you’re steeped in the presence of God. The act of stamping and journaling turns each visit into a personal milestone. Whether a teen on a youth retreat, a family on a road trip, or an individual seeking renewal, the Passport makes a pilgrimage a vibrant expression of faith.
Our vision for Saint James Media extends beyond this first edition to include a shrine edition, a children’s version, international expansions, and beyond
ensuring every Catholic can embark on their own journey worldwide. The Arlington Catholic Herald published in March of 2025, featured The Catholic Pilgrimage Passport: US Edition and noted that our apostolate is sparking a movement. With hundreds of Passports sold, each passport represents the inspiration of souls drawn closer to the grace and glory of God with each pilgrimage taken.
Answer the call to adventure! Order your Passport at www.catholicpilgrimagepassport.com and allow each sacred site to draw you closer to Christ. Contact us if you are interested in our apostolate by distributing or partnering with us. Scan the QR code below for more information from our website!
For over a decade, The Hem of His Garment® has faithfully served the Catholic community with exquisite liturgical sewing and custom embroidery. Founded and managed by Mary Catherine Ackerly, SFO, our mission is rooted in reverence, craftsmanship, and stewardship. We are a self- financed enterprise, committed not only to providing beautiful, durable vestments and liturgical items but also to tithing a portion of our income to charitable causes. Every piece is created with care, guided by the belief that sewing for the faith is both a calling and a sacred privilege.
Our work now extends to parishes, dioceses, and religious orders across 12 U.S. states and five countries, including Mexico, Canada, Chile, the Philippines, and Africa. Whether serving a cathedral or a small chapel, we take joy in tailoring each creation to budget and vision, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality.
We specialize in custom-designed embroidery and liturgical sewing, offering tabernacle veils, altar frontals, adoration copes, canopies, vestments, chalice veils, stoles, burses, and more. Each item is made with premium materials, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedication to beauty and reverence. Our embroidery services range from custom digitized images to licensed Catholic symbols, applied to vestment banding, medallions, chalice palls, Requiem Mass linens, and personalized memorial items.
At the heart of The Hem of His Garment® is a guiding principle: to serve God and His Church with gratitude and precision. We approach every project with an “all-in” mindset, offering our best work, our best materials, and our best intentions.
Orders are now being taken for Summer 2026 delivery. Let us help your community enhance worship with liturgical pieces that honor our one True Faith.
Deo gratias!
Mary Ackerly Owner and Manager
We
“So they are no longer two, but one…” —Matthew 19:6
Discover the deeper meaning of “One” in marriage.
NOW!
Oneness explores Jesus’ vision for love and discipleship in married life—o ering biblical wisdom, practical tools, and heartfelt stories. With its built-in study guide, this book is perfect for couples, the engaged, or those counseling others in marriage.
“A delightful combination of practical wisdom and a deep dive into the biblical foundations of the Christian vision of marriage.”
—MARY HEALY, Professor of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart
Major Seminary
