Since the St. Philip Book Store opened 3 months ago on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 2009, many parishioners have offered their suggestions, encouragement and gratitude. For many a Catholic book store in Franklin is a long awaited reality and the comments made by our many patrons reinforce this thought. Before it came a reality, we asked hundreds of parishioners their thoughts on a bookstore at St. Philip. The response indicated that it was needed, wanted and for many the answer to a prayer.
Primarily the bookstore offers our parishioners and residents in Williamson County Catholic material to educate and inform, increase our faith and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, the bookstore ministry offers the tools needed to pass our faith on to our children. This was evident during the Advent and Christmas Season when we sold Advent Wreaths, dozens of candles, and prayer cards.
We have restocked the shelves and have many resources for Lent including books with daily reflections, guides for family activities, and CD’s of hymns for Lent and the Way of the Cross according to Pope John Paul ll.
The bookstore will have many gift options for those celebrating the Sacraments this spring including 1st Communion, Confirmation, RCIA. and Holy Orders. We are also expanding our selection for Baptism and Marriage gifts. Arrangements can be made for special orders so shop early.
The ultimate mission of the bookstore ministry is to generate funds for the outreach efforts at St. Philip. We support many ministries including Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes, Graceworks Ministry, Mid Cumberland Community Action to name just a few. We have also seen an increase in requests from our parishioners for financial assistance during these tough economic times. Your support of the bookstore will expedite the repayment to the parish for initial start up costs and hasten the assistance to those in need.
For any ministry at St. Philip to flourish and sustain itself , volunteer involvement is needed. The bookstore ministry is no different. Just 2 ½ hours once or twice a month is all that is required. The spring will be very busy and your willingness to help other parishioners with their selections is needed. Call Margaret Emsweller or Jeanne Drone at 794-4235 to volunteer your time.