Winter 2010

Every year during Advent and Christmas we are reminded of our Christian duty to help out those who are less fortunate. There are giving trees, food and toy drives, and Salvation Army bell ringers outside the malls.

Of course, writing a check is one thing. It's another thing to help someone face-to-face.

In her first book, Thrift Store Saints, Jane Knuth writes about her experiences doing just that as a volunteer for the last fifteen years at a St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Knuth writes candidly about the challenges involved in helping people who are not always so easy to help and how those challenges had become a part of her own spiritual journey.

As you read Thrift Store Saints, you can't help but reflect on your own attitudes and preconceptions as Knuth reminds us that the needy are not simply problems for us to solve. In fact, the truth is, you probably won't be able to solve all the problems in someone else's life, but there is the chance to pray together, do what we can, and learn from one another's experiences.

Here's Jane Knuth describing her new book:





You may also want to visit Jane's blog at ThriftStoreSaints.com.

Beginning in December and through the month of February, you may purchase a copy of Thrift Store Saints in St. Patrick's Book & Gift for 20% off the regular retail price. If you're searching for ideas for Christmas, you might want to think about picking up an extra copy for giving.

As always, we hope you appreciate our book recommendations. Please leave your comments or suggestions below. And enjoy Thrift Store Saints!