When I was 16 years old, I knew two things about my faith; there was a God and I was Catholic. The problem was that I hadn’t gone to mass since receiving my first communion. One day at my large, public high school I noticed a bunch of students wearing the same shirt. It seemed like hundreds of teenagers were in the biggest club on school and I had no idea what it was. I stopped someone and asked about the shirt. What I found out was the Catholic church across the street gave out these shirts at the end of their weekend retreat. I inadvertently asked this student to witness their faith to me.
The Lord had a plan which led to my conversion. I was so impacted that I spent the first 15 years of my adult life serving Life Teen Programs in the Diocese of Phoenix. This was a time of abundant blessings as I was called to minister to the youth. And yes we handed out plenty of cool t-shirts!
Much time has passed since then. My wife Bobbi and I have 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. We have owned a promotional products company for 20 years and I have been a healthcare executive for the past 15. But again the Lord was calling me to more, it was time for me to focus on spreading the Good News to the masses in a new way.
Blending our love of our faith, my time working for the church, our background in promotional products, and my sales and marketing background, Catholic Parish Gifts became a reality. The concept is quite simple: people love their parishes but there is no source to find promotional products and apparel specific to their community. We partner with the parish, at no cost, to create an online store. Members of the community purchase products directly from the store and the parish receives 10% back on all sales.
Having items on you or around you that speak to the faith provides an opportunity for you to witness your faith to others, just like that simple T-shirt 30 years ago that began my faith journey.
Support your parish
Connect with your parish outside the parish walls
Witness your faith to others.
Let’s spread the Good News together!