National Catholic Register’s Christmas 2024 Gift Guide

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s a m t s i r h C National Catholic Register’s

2024 Gift Guide

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BY D E B B I E C OW D E N A N D K AT I E WA R N E R

ith Advent and Christmas right around the corner, now is the time to start shopping for meaningful gifts for family and friends.

EWTN Religious Catalogue, started by Mother Angelica in 1996, is home to countless “holy reminders,” which she hoped would be, as she said, “blessed reminders of the love of Jesus in your home and in your heart.”

Find gifts for under the tree, host gifts, gift-exchange items, stocking stuffers, and clergy gifts, and remember that every purchase you make at EWTN Religious Catalogue directly supports Mother Angelica’s mission to bring Jesus Christ to a world starved for truth! In the following pages, the Register’s annual guide will help you select thoughtful gifts for friends and family while allowing you to support Catholic businesses, entrepreneurs and artists. — Debbie Cowden is senior digital media specialist at EWTN and the co-author, with her

To order, unless otherwise noted: Visit EWTNRC.com or call (800) 854-6316.

husband David, of The Prayer Book for Tired Parents (EWTN Publishing). Katie Warner writes from Georgia, where she lives with her family, writes children’s books, and home educates. She is online at KatieWarner.com and FirstFaithTreasury.com.

Inspired by Mother Angelica Mother Angelica, EWTN’s foundress, has a wealth of timeless insight and spiritual wisdom to share. Whether your loved one is new to EWTN or has been watching for decades, they’ll appreciate the heart and humor she shares in her teachings.

The Spiritual Wisdom of Mother Angelica Book Set: an extraordinary collection of Mother Angelica’s writings, covering prayer, the sacraments, angels, the Blessed Mother, suffering and burnout, and practical holiness. The seven hardbound volumes come boxed as a set, and the individual books make excellent companions for Eucharistic adoration or individual prayer. Item: 80725, $89.95 Mother Angelica Jerusalem Bible and Cover: Viewers of Mother Angelica Live Classics will recognize this Bible cover as a replica of the one Mother used in her shows. The “Jerusalem” was Mother Angelica’s favorite translation, said to be one of the most faithful to the ancient texts.

Mother liked it best for her teaching because it was traditional and non-inclusive. Item: 63TBK, $50 Monstrance Pendant and Pin Set: Mother Angelica’s entire life was dedicated to Jesus, and everything she did was for him. How appropriate that she wore her monstrance necklace right over her heart for all to see! You too can remember the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with this gold-plated pendant and pin set. Item: P2005, $18.95. — Debbie Cowden

Rosaries You can never have too many rosaries (to keep in your pocket or car or prayer table, at your work desk, on your nightstand …), and these particular rosaries have special significance to EWTN. See the full selection of rosaries, in a variety of materials and styles, at EWTNRC.com.

The World War I Combat Rosary: Christmas Edition Unique, Thoughtful and Lasting Gift: Featuring the Holy Family and a beautiful red crucifix, this limited-edition rosary is a thoughtful gift for your friends and loved ones.

Historical Design and Rugged Durability: The strong, durable, yet beautiful design is inspired by the combat rosaries given to soldiers during World War I. We pray each rosary will provide strength, comfort, peace and hope and will be cherished for years to come. Order at RuggedRosaries.com and use code “EWTN24” for 10% off.

Official Rosary of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress: Do you have a friend or pastor who attended the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this year? If so, this rosary is a thoughtful way to commemorate their pilgrimage. Item: 1512E, $54.95 ‘Blessed Is the Nation’ Rosary and DVD: Patriotism is a virtue, and for your particularly patriotic family and friends, this rosary features a detailed, enameled crucifix and a center shaped like the continental United States. Each bead bears the abbreviations for one of the 50 states. This rosary also comes with a free DVD of the “Rosary for Life,” led by EWTN’s Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. Item: 19183K, $39.95 EWTN ‘Warrior Rosary’: This has been a longtime favorite of EWTN viewers because, with every decade of the Rosary they pray, they’re praying for a specific aspect of EWTN’s mission: from Television and Radio to Online, News and Publishing, all through the intercession of Our Lady of the Angels and specific patron saints. Pair it with your choice of the free Mother Angelica pouch, St. Michael pouch, Holy Family pouch or other book and DVD options. Item: 58173K, $99.95. — Debbie Cowden

Catholic Décor The beauty of Catholic home décor is that it isn’t just for aesthetic — it’s art that lifts our minds and hearts to God! Here are a few ideas for beautifying and sanctifying your family and friends’ homes.

Last Supper by Da Vinci Gallery-Wrapped Canvas: A 16-by-8-inch contemporary rendition of a great masterpiece, this canvas has a unique faux-3D effect, and the image wraps around the edges of the canvas for a clean, sleek look. Made in the U.S.A. Item: N7737, $42 Garden Flags and House Flags: EWTN Religious Catalogue has an enormous selection of garden flags and house flags. Your loved ones can display the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, angels, the Holy Family, and more beautiful Catholic imagery outside their homes year-round. We also have flag poles, brackets and garden-flag stands to complete their gift; $13.50-$34.99, with mix-and-match quantity discount on select items. St. Joseph Solar LED Statue: Ite ad Joseph (“Go to St. Joseph”)! Families all over the world have been growing in their devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, protector of the Holy Family and Terror of Demons. This 18-inch outdoor resin statue of St. Joseph is a perfect addition to a family’s garden or front porch. The solar-powered LED light gently illuminates the statue in the evening. Item: 60637, $78-$95, with mix-and-match quantity discount. — Debbie Cowden

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Good Reads From EWTN Publishing

Apparel

EWTN Publishing is a treasure trove of solid, Catholic books from beloved EWTN hosts and personalities. At a time when “truth” is considered relative (or nonexistent!), the Church needs to speak with cogency and courage.

You’ll find both with EWTN Publishing.

Looking for a saint-themed sweatshirt? Discerning veiling at Mass? Consider these selections, including more available at EWTNRC.com.

Veils by Lily

Women Made New: In a book perfect for friends, sisters, cousins and moms, Crystalina Evert has gathered a dozen women to share their insight on healing and renewal. This is a go-to gift for all seasons! Item: 82897, $21.95 Catechism of the Spiritual Life: Cardinal Robert Sarah has compiled an authoritative guide to prayer, the sacraments, and the mysteries of the faith. This book makes a wonderful gift for converts and lifelong Catholics alike. Item: 82934, $24.95 A Eucharistic Movement: This is the official commemorative coffee-table book from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Whether your loved ones attended the congress in person or streamed EWTN’s live coverage, they will love this compilation of photographs, stories and testimonies from an unforgettable, historic gathering. Item: EC2024, $39.97. — Debbie Cowden

“Why not have a garment that also reflects our reverence and commitment to God as laywomen? We are all called to be witnesses to Christ,” business owner Lily Wilson told the Register. “Many women say their relationship with God and their experience of the Mass has deepened since starting to veil. It’s definitely a journey.”

Timeless Symbol of Humility: Our authentic-lace Spanish “Joy” Mantillas beautifully embody the spirit of modesty, allowing you to express your faith with grace and simplicity, reflecting the deep tradition of reverence at Mass and during times of prayer.

Crafted for Devotion: Each mantilla is delicately made with silky soft authentic Spanish lace, designed to enhance the sacred experience of prayer and offering a gentle reminder of devotion and humility.

Order at VeilsByLily.com or (800) 2771813, with code “EWTN” to get 10% off your order.

St. Thérèse Quote Sweatshirt: Catholic artist Nichole Lanthier, whose art has been featured in the Register, offers this cozy sweatshirt featuring the beloved quote from the Little Flower: “If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness”; Etsy.com/shop/NicholeLanthier. — Amy Smith, Register senior editor

For Children As a parent, these are some of my favorite holy reminders. Our children soak up knowledge like sponges, and it’s important for parents to help their kids soak up the beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith. In addition to the sampling you see here, be sure to check out online Religious Catalogue’s new “home-schooling” tab, with a special curation of resources for parents and students at all grade levels.

Catholic art & music bundles: Check out this super fun Playful Pitch Bundle, with a pitch bar set and accessories, including Christmas and religious song cards, so your little ones can make music for Our Lord at home; PlayfulPitch.com. I also love the amazing art project bundles (creation- or saints-themed!) from Little Holy Hearts; such a fun way to interweave faith and art, and both of these items would make such unique gifts for young Catholic kids; LittleHolyHeartsShop.com. My True Love Gave to Me book*: Enchanting artwork meets one of the most popular Christmas tunes of all time. My True Love Gave to Me: A Catechism for the Twelve Days of Christmas teaches children (and adults!) about God’s lavish love for us and the gifts he bestows on us through his Church. Through memorable rhyme and captivating artwork, numeric symbols help uncover foundational aspects of the Catholic faith, from the theological virtues to the beatitudes to the 12 doctrines of the Church. Use code “KATIE30” for 30% off this book and all TAN products; TANBooks.com. Rosary poppers & other prayer resources for kids: I’m gifting several of these adorable rosary poppers this year; I’m a fan of all of the prayer resources from Gather & Pray, including the water-reveal missal (a huge hit with my toddler!), abacus rosary, Miracle of Life puzzle, the incredible liturgical devotion calendar and all of the wooden resources, as well their new books, which I intend to use as often as my children; use code “KW10” for a discount; GatherandPray.co. Baby rosaries: Chews Life has the sweetest teething rosaries — both full rosaries and decades — perfect for Mass bags or family prayer. Use code “KatieW10” for discount on these silicone or decade rosaries, or on anything on the website; ChewsLife.com. Biblical Heroes book: From Life Teen’s Mark Hart and Baritus Catholic’s Chris Lewis, this collection of relatable Bible stories introduces young Catholics to the teenage Scripture characters who wrestle with the same struggles and questions they do. Pair this with a scapular for your teen; AscensionPress.com. — Katie Warner; *denotes book by Katie Warner.

‘7-Day Journey to Christmas’ Nativity Set: Help your kids learn the true meaning of Christmas with this lighted wooden Nativity! The figurines are made to be played with, and the lighted platform even includes a drawer for storing the 3-inch figurines and included story cards, which include directions on leading children through the seven-day journey to Christmas Day. Item: RLN91, $39.95 Wooden Mass Kit Playset: Many priests have revealed that, as kids, they used to pretend-play the Mass. Your kids and grandkids can do so too, with this 20-piece wooden Mass set, inspired by antique French Mass playsets from the 19th century, which includes a chalice, ciborium and wooden hosts, wooden candles that can be “lit,” and even water and wine cruets with removable lids.

Very cool — and a gift kids will treasure for years to come as they explore their vocations. Item: 9657, $64.97 Prayer Pillows and Saint Plush Dolls: EWTN Religious Catalogue has a growing selection of adorable, soft saint dolls — featuring Our Lady of Kibeho (Item: OLK12), St. Joseph (Item: STJ12; Item: 4868), St. Francis of Assisi (Item: STF12), St. Faustina (Item: 4682), St. Josephine Bakhita (Item: 4200), St. Kateri (Item: 4705) and more. EWTN Religious Catalogue is proud to collaborate with Hugs from Heaven and Shining Light Dolls to offer special holy reminders for children; $24-42; mix-and-match quantity discount on select items. — Debbie Cowden

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Christmas Showcase Walking the Camino de Santiago

“In reading Mary Wood's heartfelt, searingly honest diary of her mother-daughter trek on the Way of St. James, readers experience the ups and downs of daily Camino life, while also drinking deeply of her hard-won spiritual wisdom about marriage, family, suffering, and life in the Church.

The courage and humility evident in these pages is powerful precisely because it is the fruit of Mary's lifelong Camino of trusting and loving the Lord whose power is made perfect in our weakness.”

Colleen Carroll Campbell, award winning author of The Heart of Perfection, My Sisters the Saints, and The New Faithful

Amazon link to purchase: https://a.co/d/hp4241Q

Kiss Me Goodnight

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MATTHEW 19:26

Women’’s Fashion and Fine Jewelry Women Women’s

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Angels Heard on High!

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Stocking Stuffers

For Women

Looking for something small and special to include in stockings? With a variety of options of each type, you’ll find something nice here for everyone.

Thoughtful presents for the ladies on your list, from planners to lovely jewelry and art, good books and more, all ready for gift-giving.

Saint Sprouts Stickers A great holy reminder for Bible journaling, planners, scrapbooks and personal items like water bottles and laptops: Affordable and great-quality stickers — kids love them, and parents do, too.

Each sheet measures 5 inches x 7 inches and contains 25 stickers; each sticker measures 0.5 inch x 1 inch. Full-size 3-inch individual saints are also available.

Made from waterproof vinyl sticker paper for durability.

Price: $7.50/sheet Website: SaintSprouts.com

Biblical Oil (Roll-On): Made with olive oil from the trees of Gethsemane in the Holy Land, these oils are scented with spices and fragrant blends based on particular Scripture passages. The roll-on bottles make application easy, and when blessed, these oils become sacramentals. Scents include pomegranate, hyssop, Rose of Sharon, frankincense and myrrh, cassia, spikenard and more: Item: 13NR, $10-11; mix-and-match quantity discount.

Peace + All Good Soaps & Lotions: Not only do these soaps, lotions and bath bombs smell good, they also do good. They’re made by the Franciscan Peacemakers ministry, which connects female victims of exploitation with meaningful work and a healing network of support. Proudly handmade in the U.S.A.: Bar soap (Item: FPB1), Lotion (Item: FPL8), Liquid Hand Soap (Item: FPCS), $6-$13; mix-and-match quantity discount on select items. Pewter Medal Necklaces: The price point on these saint-medal necklaces is astonishing. In addition to the medals being quite durable (I’ve worn mine daily for more than two years and it’s still in great shape), they also have a variety of beloved saints available, including St. Charbel (Item: 50425), Blessed Solanus Casey (Item: 50588), St. Peregrine (Item: 50514), St. Teresa of Calcutta (Item: 50576), St. Bernadette (Item: 50410), St. Dymphna (Item: 50434), St. Joseph Terror of Demons (Item: 977EW) and more. I counted more than 85 options on EWTNRC.com, and I know you’ll find some of your family’s favorite patrons included; $14.95. — Debbie Cowden

Catholic Liturgical Planner: This beautifully designed and organized resource isn’t your typical planner. The Allin-One Liturgical Planner offers a comprehensive view of your monthly, weekly and daily schedules, as well as your to-do lists for each time frame in one place, along with a dedicated space for monthly note-taking. It comes in emerald or saddle colors and two different calendar types: the Traditional 1962 liturgical calendar and the USCCB calendar. Use code “KW10” for a discount; GatherandPray.co. Also check out the Simple Holiness Planner, with a lovely Marian-themed cover and interior. This planner also includes QR codes linked to the daily readings and budgeting pages, among other features. Use code “Katie10” for a discount; Etsy.com. Cross or crucifix necklace: I love all of the Catholic jewelry from Telos Art Shop, but take a particular look at the selection of crosses and crucifixes, from the Sacred Heart cross necklaces to the Byzantine and “Pardon” crucifixes. They are all stunning; use code “KATIE5” for a discount on your purchase at TelosArtShop.com. For another prayerful and wearable gift option, check out the gemstone rosary bracelets from Humble Mission Beads that are both aesthetic and perfect for daily prayer, all adorned with different holy medals; Etsy.com. Sacrifice of Love art print: One of my favorite pieces of art in our own home, this beautiful, marriage-themed art print from Leanne Bowen visually depicts a bride and groom with their hands under the hands of Christ on the cross, knowing that to truly love involves sacrifice, and sometimes pain and loss, but that they will always experience those things together with the Lord; LeanneBowen.com. Marian home & garden flag: These flags are designed by this family’s nine children (with help from Mom and Dad) to help proclaim the Gospel to the world. Lovely designs and perfect for liturgical living décor; TradFlags.com. Festive Faith book: This new release is a creative treasury of more than 70 festive liturgical traditions, with a brief history of each one, a description of what the custom involves, and practical adaptations for celebrating it in an accessible, attainable and authentic way. Use code “Katie15” for a discount on the book; AveMariaPress.com. Another great book pick for moms this year is Mother to Mother: Spiritual and Practical Wisdom From the Cloister to the Home, rife with encouragement for motherhood from contemplative nuns. Code “Katie30” gets you a discount on that title, too; TANBooks.com. — Katie Warner

For Men

Ready to Gift Wrap?

Select drinkable, readable, prayerful and wearable gifts for the guys in your life.

For all gifts, cover them in beautiful Nativity toile gift wrap, praying for the Holy Family’s blessings on the recipient; Use code “KATIE10” for a discount through Dec. 10; AnneWThomas.com. — Katie Warner

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Seven Weeks Coffee: Every purchase of these quality coffee blends helps fund a network of more than 850 pro-life organizations across the country — a great way to make the most of your shopping money and gift great-tasting beans to a coffee-loving man in your life; SevenWeeksCoffee.com. Fiat Coffee also supports life, with 20% of proceeds going to pro-life causes; Fiat-Coffee.com. Door-style wine rack: Inspired by the works of ancient artisans and early Christians, Thomas Peter Designs offers “Biblical Steel,” a line of high quality/ distinctive metal art and works crafted to enrich your spiritual life. This five-bottle wine rack is designed to sit on a counter, with copper finish, rubber feet — plus a beautiful religious design; Shorturl.at/Odrlk. AMDG socks: cotton fabric and designed with the acronym “AMDG,” which stands for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, a Latin phrase that means “For the greater glory of God”; Shorturl.at/ol3hh. For more fun Catholic-themed sock choices, check out the whole collection from Sock Religious at SockReligious.com. Saint statue: Browse the myriad of pewter statues from EWTN Religious Catalogue to find the perfect match for his desk, office shelf or prayer space, including this one of St. Joseph (Item: 99630). Also check out the beautiful crucifixes, statues and holy-water fonts from St. Joseph’s Studio at HolyLandArtCompany.com. InQUIZition book: For the trivia and fun-fact connoisseur, this book from Catholic author and apologist Patrick Madrid offers a fun, fascinating and sometimes funny way for Catholics to test their knowledge on a myriad of topics, including Catholic doctrine, pop culture, saints and even sports; HolyHeroes.com. — Katie Warner

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For Friends, Teachers and Catechists Don’t miss the opportunity to gift unique, practical holy reminders for loved ones during holiday dinners and celebrations.

Trinitas Wine Celebrate the Season with Christmas Cuvée This holiday season, bring warmth and reverence to your celebrations with our limited-edition Christmas Cuvée, a beautifully crafted red blend.

Rich and inviting, it’s the perfect companion for holiday feasts and gatherings, adding a meaningful touch to every shared moment. Whether gifting to loved ones or savoring with family, the Christmas Cuvée embodies the spirit of the season.

A Toast to Faith: Introducing the Marian Series Alongside our Christmas Cuvée, discover the Marian Series, a collection of faith-inspired wines honoring Our Lady’s grace and devotion. Each bottle, from Our Lady of Guadalupe to Our Lady of Champion, offers a thoughtful connection to faith, making them perfect gifts or additions to holiday celebrations.

Order at TrinitasCellars.com or call (888) 9838414. Use code “FAITH24” for 15% off your first purchase.

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For Priests Did you know Religious Catalogue has a special category for clergy and churches?

Show your appreciation for your pastor with these special — and useful — gift ideas.

Pyxes: Praise God for the priests who bring Holy Communion to us when we’re sick! Show your gratitude to your pastor by gifting him a pyx to carry the Most Blessed Sacrament. Several styles are available at EWTNRC.com, starting at $21.97. St. Michael Chaplet: Your pastor likely has more than enough rosaries, but how many St. Michael Chaplets does he have? A powerful prayer, it invokes all nine choirs of angels and his guardian angel. Item: CH109, $20. A booklet with instructions on praying the chaplet is also available at EWTNRC.com: Item: CSMB, $1.25. Blessed Mother Greeting Cards (14 Pack): This selection of greeting cards is exclusive to EWTN and features a selection of images of the Blessed Mother, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady Undoer of Knots, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and more.

Item: 9992, $15.95. — Debbie Cowden

For Parents Give something special to the parents who give so much of themselves to their children. These gifts are useful and fortifying, making it a little bit easier for parents to raise their young saints.

2025 16-Month Saints Calendar and Daily Planner: Don’t wait until January to get your calendar in order; this 16-month planner will start working for you now. Featuring feasts for the ordinary and extraordinary calendars, generous space for days and months at a glance, an index of more than 500 patron saints, and days of fasting and abstinence, this is a must-have for every Catholic parent who wishes to stay organized and in tune with the liturgical year. Item: 3282, $18.95 The Prayer Book for Tired Parents and ‘Make Room for Rest’ Mug Set: Whether you’ve just brought home your first baby or are ushering your teen into adulthood, you’ll love The Prayer Book for Tired Parents for its honesty and insight on raising young saints. Full of practical wisdom and a ton of prayers, you can enjoy this book over a cup of hot coffee, served in the accompanying “Make Room for Rest” mug. Item: 82873K, $27.99 ‘Faith, Hope, Love’ Organizational Bag: Functional, beautiful and handy — this organizational bag is a great companion for everyday use or as a Mass bag. It’s large enough to fit a book (even a Bible) and has sturdy handles for carrying. A great gift for friends, family, teachers or parents.

Item: J8759, $39.97. — Debbie Cowden

Tea Towels: The epitome of practical, and available in a number of different designs for Christmas and yearround, these cotton tea towels are just as functional as they are pretty; they’re also lint-free: Totus Tuus, Item: TTQ3; Three Wise Men, Item: TT3WM; Ordinary Family: Item: Q179B; Vintage Nativity, Item: TT53; $10-$12.97, with mix-and-match quantity discount. Trappist Preserves: Keep a stash of these preserves on hand yearround to pair with a fresh loaf of sourdough; make a basket with a thoughtful curation of flavors for a friend; or bring a jar to a party with a charcuterie board to share. There are 25 flavors to choose from, including elderberry, rhubarb-orange, Kadota fig, Sherry wine jelly, lemon marmalade and more; Item: 43656, $6-$7; mix-and-match quantity discount. Beeswax Candles: These 100% beeswax candles are handmade, unscented (save for the natural honey aroma that is characteristic of beeswax), and have a long burn time. Whether you opt for tea lights (Item: BCT1), tapers (Item: T102) or the EWTN-exclusive devotional candles (Item: BPC1, which boast a burn time of 100 hours), your recipients will delight in these gifts, which can be blessed and aid in prayer; $3.79-$27.97. — Debbie Cowden Liturgical Year art prints: These “A Year of Catholic Art” cards are perfect for the liturgical-living lover in your life, with feast-day prints perfect for table, counter or hanging display with feast-day information and conversation starters on the back of each card. Check out the other home and accessory gifting items from Catholic Family Crate, too. Code “KATIE2024” will get you 20% off anything online at CatholicFamilyCrate.com. ‘Deep Calls to Deep’ mug: Because everyone needs a beautiful mug to accompany prayer, right? From Psalm 42:7, “deep calls to deep” reminds us of the exchange between our hearts and the heart of God in prayer. Pair the mug with the “Do the Work With Him” sticky notepad for such a thoughtful, prayerful gift idea from Into the Deep Co.; IntotheDeep.co. ‘Rejoice!’ ornaments: Check out the different religious designs on these beautiful ornaments, all accompanied by a Scripture verse on the back, from AscensionPress.com. ‘Pure in Heart’ pen set: These make writing and planning a little bit prettier and classier. I love gifts that you might not buy for yourself but are such a delight to receive from another; BlessedIsShe.net. Pair the pen set with another lovely home good item: Marian-themed napkins from LovelyLadyLinens.com. Weird Catholic Handbook: This new release by Michael Lichens takes readers “on a Chestertonian romp through the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights.” Topics include saints and monsters, memento mori, and unusual miracles; SophiaInstitute.com. — Katie Warner

MORE IDEAS More gifts can be found in past gift guides online at NCRegister.com.

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Cross Catholic Outreach’s Home Building Program Restores Hope to Haitian Families Emma and Thelius earn a small income by farming and selling a portion of their crops at a market in the rural community of Colladère, Haiti. Like most of their neighbors, they don’t make enough money to afford a home beyond the dilapidated patchwork shack they lived in for many years.

“These new homes are a life-transforming blessing...”

Michele Sagarino, Cross Catholic Outreach Raising eight children in that small home was challenging enough, but they also faced additional hardships when it would rain. Water poured in through the roof, ruining their belongings and making them sick.

“Sometimes mud falls on the children’s heads,” Emma explained at the time. “Sometimes they sleep on the bed with me, and sometimes I can’t even walk in the house without getting my feet wet and muddy.”

For families with few economic opportunities, the idea of escaping this abject poverty and obtaining a safer, more secure home must seem like an unachievable goal — and it would be in most circumstances — but with God, all

things are possible. Through a special outreach of the Kobonal Haiti Mission, Emma’s family received a simple but sturdy new home, and many others are being rescued out of terrible living conditions thanks to the gift of safe housing.

“The visionary Catholic leaders at the Kobonal Haiti Mission have launched several life-transforming programs to help the poor in the Central Plateau region of Haiti, but one of their most impactful efforts involves constructing sturdy cement-block houses for the area’s poorest families,” said Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, a Vatican-recognized ministry involved in those projects. “Our U.S. donors have been contributing to the mission’s ministries for years, and there is a growing interest in expanding its housing program because so many families still need our help.”

The idea of funding a house for a needy family may initially seem daunting to some donors, but Sagarino said those concerns disappear when they learn more about the outreach.

“It may seem hard to believe, but a contribution of $13,141 can bless a family in Haiti with a new, safe home,” she explained. “That gift will build a four-room concrete block house that includes a solid cement foundation, a galvanized steel roof, a solar light system for indoor electricity and an

outdoor latrine. Once they hear that, some of our donors sponsor an entire house. Others make a partial gift, and we combine those to achieve the same result. Their generosity has enabled us to build thousands of homes for the poor in recent years.”

Sagarino also pointed out that the Kobonal Haiti Mission involves the benefiting families in the process as much as possible, because they view the program as a “hand up” rather than a handout. Family members help with unskilled labor such as clearing the land, helping move construction materials, mixing cement and painting.

Of course, the experience produces important spiritual blessings as well.

“These new homes are a life-transforming blessing, and we make it clear they are a gift from God,” Sagarino said. “That’s our ultimate goal. We want to bless people materially and spiritually — to restore their hope and strengthen their faith.”

Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach’s housing programs and its other outreaches to the poor can contribute through the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC04047, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 200907168. The ministry has a special need for partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use the inserted brochure to become a Mission Partner.

Before and after photos of families beneting from the mission’s home-building project are dramatic and clearly reveal why providing safe shelter is such a vital part of Cross Catholic Outreach’s ministry work. The Nicolas family was provided with one of these houses last year, and the gift has changed their lives. Cross Catholic Outreach is condent U.S. Catholics will help their ministry continue this effort so many other Haitian families can escape extreme poverty and enjoy a brighter future.

Unique Christmas Catalog Created To Bless Donors — and the World’s Poor In many families, it’s an age-old tradition for children to browse through catalogs and circle the presents they want for Christmas.

This Advent and Christmas season, Cross Catholic Outreach is offering a catalog too — but theirs is a very different offering with a very different purpose. It has been designed to bless both givers and receivers by using the holiday gift-giving tradition to help the

world’s poorest families.

Rather than offering gizmos, gadgets, neckties and jewelry, the Cross Catholic Outreach Christmas Catalog is giving Catholics with a concern for the poor an opportunity to share the blessings in their lives with needy families by sponsoring practical and urgently needed items like medicines, milk powder, seeds for farming, access to safe water or materials for roof repairs.

Of course, it also offers blessings for children, including toys and sports equipment, so individuals can choose to sponsor both practical items suitable for families and gifts to bring children joy.

“Like most Christmas catalogs, ours offers lots of items so donors can choose to give something very specific.

That said, they can also make a general gift to address the poor’s greatest needs,” explained Jim Cavnar, CEO of

Cross Catholic Outreach, the Catholic relief and development ministry offering this program. “When donors choose to give to Greatest Need, they provide us and the Catholic missions we serve with the freedom to address any urgent need.

The priests and religious sisters we support really appreciate that flexibility.

It’s an excellent way to empower their work among the poor.”

This unique Christmas catalog is easy to

access. Readers will find a link for it at the ministry’s website (CrossCatholic.org) or they can reach it directly by entering the web address: CrossCatholic.org/Christmas.

“Our hope is that everyone will be blessed by the experience,” Cavnar said.

“It’s a wonderful way for us to celebrate the birth of our merciful Lord!”

Scan this code to visit Cross Catholic Outreach’s Christmas Catalog web page.

Ministry Seeks Support From U.S. Catholics To Build Homes for Poor Families in Developing Countries Your rusty sheet metal roof leaks like a sieve when it rains. Your plankand-mud walls have begun to crumble around you. Your fabric curtain “door” provides no security from intruders, and your children have to place mats on the dirt floor to sleep at night. You have no running water, no electricity and no indoor plumbing for sanitation.

Who among us would even call a place like that a home?

“At best, the makeshift houses you find in the world’s poorest communities are the simplest form of shelter,” said Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, one of the world’s leading Catholic relief and development ministries with an expanding program for providing improved housing for the poor. “Until you see one of those fragile little houses firsthand, it’s hard to imagine how a couple could live there — or raise their children there.

But the sad truth is that millions of people in Haiti have been living like that for generations because there hasn’t been an alternative. They grew up living in those conditions, and without some kind of intervention, their children will too. That’s why our ministry has made it a priority to provide families with safe, sturdy housing. It’s a way to break that terrible cycle of poverty, improve lives and change things for future generations.”

According to Sagarino, Cross Catholic Outreach achieves this objective by partnering with local Catholic leaders, mobilizing community participation in its home-building projects, and utilizing the support of compassionate Catholics in the United States. Donations made by those compassionate Catholics enable Church leaders to build quality cement-block homes for those who need them most.

According to Sagarino, Cross Catholic Outreach’s current work includes extensive home-building projects in central and southern Haiti. That work is underway in and around Kobonal (See the related story at the top of the page)

and in the city of Jérémie.

These efforts are supported by U.S. Catholics, many of whom have worked with the ministry for years to restore hope in deeply impoverished communities.

“When I ask those men and women why they specifically want to provide the poor with sturdier, more dignified homes, some say it is because they feel God has blessed their lives and they want to give back in a way that will make a significant impact,” Sagarino said. “Others say they do it because they understand how important a home is to creating stability and security for a family — and that’s very true. Once people have a safe place to call home, they are able to focus on improving their lives in other ways. They can use their resources to educate their children, take care of medical needs and provide more nutritious meals. A safe, reliable house offers more than improved shelter. It provides a foundation for building a better life.”

Sagarino, who has been involved in humanitarian outreaches for more than two decades, considers providing better housing for children and the frail elderly one of the highest priorities, and the Catholic ministries she partners with in the developing world agree.

“They follow the model Jesus Christ set for us,” she explained. “He sought out the weak, the isolated, the forgotten and the destitute. He addressed their urgent needs and gave them hope. That is what our partners in Haiti, Guatemala and other countries are doing — and it’s what our generous Catholic donors in the U.S. also want to accomplish with their charitable giving. They want to help the poorest of the poor in Christ’s name and for his glory.”

The fact that Cross Catholic Outreach works through existing Catholic ministries in these countries where it serves has two purposes, according to Sagarino. It properly respects the role of the local Catholic leaders and it

Some families live in old, one-room stone or wood houses, but these are typically crumbling with age, have leaky roofs and include interior kitchens that fill the small space with smoke when meals are prepared. allows more of a donor’s gift to be used directly on home construction.

“The local Catholic ministries have the buildings and staff in place to manage the process, so our donors’ contributions can be used to buy the raw materials needed and to hire local workers to do the actual construction.

It’s an approach that allows us to do more with less, and it also strengthens the local Church.”

While providing safe housing serves an obvious purpose by improving a poor family’s living conditions, Sagarino said the gift actually has a much greater impact than most people realize.

“When people move into a sturdy home, their hope is restored. They feel they can finally escape generations of

poverty and provide a better life for their children,” she said. “I see that when I visit villages transformed by a major

housing project. Families see the change as an answer to prayer and they praise God for the mercy he has shown them.”

How to Help To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC04047, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The brochure also includes instructions for becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.