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13th Anniversary of the Blessed Mother Teresa

Sunday, September 5, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the Blessed Mother Teresa's feast day. Join us at Autom as we celebrate the life of an amazing woman who endured constant hardships and poverty to spread the message of Jesus' love.

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born August 26, 1910, in Üsküb, Ottoman Empire (modern-day Skopje, Macedonia). After her father's death when she was just eight years old, her mother decided to raise her Roman Catholic. She knew at age 12 that she was committed to serving the Lord and six years later she joined the Sisters of Loretto as a missionary. She traveled to Ireland to learn English and prepare for her missionary work in India. After 17 years in India, Teresa received what she referred to as "the call within a call."

While on an annual retreat with the Sisters of Loretto she received her new calling. "I was to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them. It was an order. To fail would have been to break the faith." She replaced her traditional habit with a white sari with blue trim, adopted citizenship of India, and headed to the streets to serve. She walked for hours with no food to eat or place to lay her head, but her strong faith in God attracted attention of government officials. Upon receiving permission from the Vatican some 3 years later, Teresa and 12 other members founded the Missionaries of Charity. They wanted the sick, the poor, and the dying to receive love and care in their times of need.

Teresa opened her first Home for the Dying in 1952, and began opening more hospices and homes for orphans and those suffering from leprosy. Within 8 years she had locations throughout India, and began spreading her work internationally by 1965. The international presence of Missionaries of Charity spread like a wildfire throughout the next three decades, with over 500 homes in more than 100 countries by 1996.

During her 1983 visit with Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa suffered her first heart attack. After two more heart attacks and other heart related ailments, she was hospitalized in a well-equipped facility in California. She stepped down from her position as the head of Missionaries of Charity on March 13, 2007 and returned to heaven to meet her creator on September 5, 2007. At the time of her death, she had transformed a group of 13 into over 4,000 women and 300 men serving at 610 missions in 123 countries.

Mother Teresa was truly a wonderful woman that spread her love for Jesus Christ through her actions of humanity throughout the entire world. Her most notable honors include the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, the first ever Pope John XXIII Peace Prize, and many honorary degrees from universities in both the East and the West. Mother Teresa was beatified on October 13, 2003, and is well on her way to being canonized.

Today join all your friends here at Autom as we remember to spread love and humanity in your communities and homes. When the Blessed Mother Teresa was asked, "What can we do to promote world peace?" Teresa answered "Go home and love your family."

Shopping For Christian Product

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Beth Williams

Hello Autom customers! Have you ever wondered what it takes for us to develop our products at Autom?

My name is Beth and I work in the purchasing department here at Autom. My counterparts and I just returned from a purchasing trip that lasted several weeks and took us through a handful of countries looking for new items that will appeal to our Christian customers. On these trips we are faced with several choices and decisions on which products we would like to develop. Before we embark on these trips, we run through a typical thought process: What are the new trends? How can we change it so it works for our Christian customers? And how can we get the best quality for the best price?

A good example of this was the recent popularity with the silicone wristbands like the "Livestrong" bracelet from Lance Armstrong. We took the idea and through parallel marketing, we added phrases such as: Pray Hard, Forgiven, and Live for Jesus to the bands. They were an instant success! Based on the our past experience with the popular trends, our current focus is the explosion of the rubber band bracelets that are formed to resemble silhouette shapes, called "Silly Bandz." Due to our customer’s response from our past product offerings, we have artists that are currently working on Christian designs for these rubber band bracelets that we are going to offer in upcoming catalogues.

We continue to shop for affordable church supplies. Whether its communion ware, banners, candles or apparel, like clergy shirts; we look for the very best materials, design, and quality at the very best price. This will never change. But my favorite part is stepping out of the traditional mold, looking for what is new and exciting, and thinking: How can we make this work for our Christian customers?

Another exciting aspect of our purchasing process is we must stay ahead of the trends and determine what the next exciting product is going to be. It takes us on average about 12 months from the initial development of a product, until they are available for purchase via our catalog or website.

We are given the opportunity to be innovative and traditional at the same time. And, giving a trendy item a Christian message just makes it that much better. Who could argue with the message “Live for Jesus” being worn on the wrist of their teenage son?

Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Today marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Join Autom as we celebrate the life of the Forerunner. The feast day of St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest feast days, if not the oldest celebrated in the Christian world.

John the Baptist was born around June 24th unto Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth, the cousin of the Virgin Mary, had been sterile for the majority of her life. That was until her husband Zachariah was greeted by the Angel Gabriel who brought news of her pregnancy. Six months into her pregnancy, Elizabeth received a visit from her cousin Mary, the Blessed Mother, who also brought joyful news of her own child. The Gospel of Luke states that the unborn child of Elizabeth 'jumped for joy' in her womb when she received the news her cousin were with child.

John spent the majority of his life preaching and foretold the coming of the Messiah. He is seen as the last prophet before Jesus took His place as the Messiah. John received instruction to baptize Jesus in the river Jordan, and he did. Although much of John's ministry was taken over by Jesus, he remained faithful and continued to spread the word of Christ throughout the nations.

Herod Antipas had imprisoned John the Baptist for John's verbal disapproval of Herod unlawfully divorcing his own wife so that he may steal his brother's wife, Herodias. On His birthday, Herod was so pleased with the dancing of new wife's daughter, Salome, that through his drunkenness he offered her anything in his kingdom. After consulting with her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Appalled by the request, Herod eventually agreed with the request of his new step-daughter and had John the Baptist executed in prison. He was beheaded and his head was served to Salome on a platter as she requested. In some Orthodox cultures, pious people do not eat with knives, use flat plates, or eat round shaped foods on August 29th.

John's body was buried by his disciples at Sebaste, but his head was thrown into a pile of dung. A servant of Herod removed the head and buried it on the Mount of Olives. In the fourth century a monk found his head while building a monastic cell, but immediately replaced the head where it remained for many years.

The second finding occurred when two monks on a pilgrimage received a vision for St. John the Baptist disclosing the location of his head. The head exchanged hands for many years before being buried again, and finally found for a third time. It is rumored that the head of St. John the Baptist was in possession of the Knights Templar during the 14th Century, but many Christians believe the head of John is enshrined in San Silvestro in Capite in Rome.

A Prayer on the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Bart Tesoriero

On August 23, 2005, Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas, touching down in southern Florida and six days later in southeast Louisiana, causing severe destruction and death, due in large part to the catastrophic failure of the levee system in New Orleans. By August 31, 2005, 80% of New Orleans and surrounding areas suffered flooding from waters that took weeks to recede. Katrina has become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, responsible for the deaths of over 1,800 people and property damage in excess of $80 billion over 90,000 square miles.

Hurricane Katrina displaced over 1 million people in the largest diaspora our country has ever experienced. Thousands of displaced residents in Mississippi and Louisiana are still living in trailers, and over 100 persons are missing to this day. Over 70 countries responded with aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina, as did the Red Cross and many faith based organizations, notably the Salvation Army, which raised over $350 million to serve almost 2 million people in the year following the disaster.

Join all of us at Autom in prayer:

"Dear God, there are few sorrows as great as the loss of loved ones, home, and livelihood. Yet this is what Your beloved people of Louisiana, Florida, and the surrounding regions endured in the assault of Hurricane Katrina five years ago. Even so, we thank You, Father, for the many who did survive, thanks to the efforts of countless emergency workers, public safety employees, and volunteers. Thank You for the comfort and assistance brought through the prayers and donations of millions of Americans and of people all over the world. Thank You for all those who opened their homes to the refugees of this disaster, and for those who continue to serve them.

O Father, we cry for mercy from Your compassionate Heart to touch even now the hearts of all persons affected by this tragedy. Let them feel Your deep love, Your consolation, and Your embrace. Encourage them with Your strength and renew their hope as they rebuild their lives, their homes, and their families. Especially send Your grace upon all those who lost loved ones in this calamity. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and good Saint Joseph, pour out Your love on all the departed, and bring them to Your eternal home.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen."

The Feast Day of St. Augustine

Saturday, August 28, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Autom would like you all to join us as we celebrate the feast day of a saint that we have a particular devotion for, St. Augustine. Our company, Autom, gets our name from a combination of our founder's two favorite saints, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Today let us celebrate the life and works of St. Augustine, a truly great man.

Renowned for his books, letters, and essays on Christian Revelation, Augustine is seen as one of the most influential Christian writers since St. Paul. He focused much of his work on Christian philosophy and the history of thought.

Augustine was born November 13, 354 at Tagaste (now Algeria) in North Africa. His father, Patricius, worked as a city official and remained a pagan until converting to Christianity on his deathbed. On the contrary, his mother, Saint Monica was a devout Christian and had her son signed with the cross and enrolled among the catechumens. Through all the teaching Augustine still refused to be baptized, that was until he fell gravely ill and finally consented. Shortly after his recovery Augustine denounced his faith, but under the influence of his mother he continued his religious schooling until he was 16 years old.

In 370, at the age of 16, Augustine traveled to Carthage for more schooling and quickly fell into the pleasures and excesses of the half pagan city. In 372, he fathered a child with a woman that he was living in sin with. His son’s name was Adeodatus, which means ‘Gift from God’. A year later he became a confirmed Manichaean. Augustine’s interests in natural sciences attracted him to Manichaeism because their promise of free philosophy.

After completing his schooling, he returned to Tagaste and then back to Carthage to teach rhetoric. After nine years of Manichaeism, he steered away because of their opposing views of cosmology. Spiritually lost, Augustine traveled to Italy in 383 to study Neo-platonic philosophy. Shortly after arriving in Italy, he became a pupil of Ambrose due to his kindness and generous spirit. In 386, while under a fig tree, Augustine, soaked in tears, finally found that empty void he had been looking for finally came to him. The following year he was baptized by Ambrose, with much delight from his mother St. Monica.

The death of mother following his baptism was a period of grief and struggle for Augustine. He returned to Tagaste to live a semi-monastic life of prayer and studying. He was searching for a harmony between his Christian faith and the philosophical questions that had long been controlling him. In 391, Augustine was ordained a priest and spent the next five years living a successful and fruitful priestly life, before he began focusing on his works.

“Confessions” (401 A.D.), the piece of work that defined Augustine as a great Christian writer and perhaps the most important figure in the ancient Western Church, is an autobiographical account of his conversion. Other notible works include "City of God" and "The Trinity." From 396, at 42 years old, till his death in 439, he ruled the diocese of Hippo alone. On August 28, 439, at the age of 76, a fatal illness took Augustine from his earthly body.

Visit Autom for all your Catholic Church supplies and gifts at great prices!

Testimony Tuesdays

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Aaron Popp

Come One. Come All. Share with us your stories of miracles and the power of prayer. As Leo Tolstoy said, “Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.” We want you, our customers to help us spread the testimonial gold that help inspire our Catholic Spirits. There is no greater truth than finding and identifying the word of God through experience and community. No story is too short or testimony too long, we ask only that you share what you feel fit. With the month of September fast approaching, it brings with the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows: The Sorrowful Mother and the Seven Joys & Sorrows of Mary:

   1. The Annunciation
   2. The Nativity of Jesus
   3. The Adoration of the Magi
   4. The Resurrection of Christ
   5. The Ascension of Christ to Heaven
   6. The Pentecost
   7. The Coronation of the Virgin in Heaven

All of which provide great opportunities to both reflect on the avenues God leads us down and the mysterious ways he strengthens us on a daily basis. We plan on posting a new blog every Tuesday, and that is where you come in.

Now the incentive! Send us your submissions and if we approve and post your story*, we will send you a $5 off coupon towards a future Autom purchase. All approved and posted stories will also be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 gift certificate! Please submit all entries to: blog@autom.com.

Send us your stories. We would love to hear from you!

Be sure to visit Autom.com, your source for affordable church supplies.

* Some editing may be needed. By submitting, you are giving us the right to edit your story to best fit the needs of our blog.

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

Sunday, August 22, 2010 by Bart Tesoriero

Join Autom in the celebration of the Queenship of Mary.

In 1954 Pope Pius XII established today’s feast in honor of the Queenship of Mary, affirming what had been held by the faithful from the early days of the Church. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he prophesied of Jesus, “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33). After this incredible experience, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leapt in her womb. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” - (Luke 1:42-43 - emphasis added).

Surely if the Son is King, the mother shares in His dominion. As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, Mary’s heart is intimately and indissolubly united with her Son. Mary’s queenship is thus a share in Jesus’ kingship.

In the fourth century Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen” and Church Fathers and Doctors continued to use the title. Hymns such as “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven” honor Our Lady as queen throughout the centuries.

Today’s feast is celebrated on the octave day of the Assumption, and is a completion of that feast. In his encyclical, Ad Coeli Reginam, Pope Pius XII teaches that Mary deserves the title of Queen first of all because she is Mother of God, secondly because she is the New Eve who shares with Jesus in His redemptive work, and finally because of her preeminent perfection and her intercessory power.

But there’s more. Because Mary is the first among the disciples and is our Mother, this feast is also about us! As Saint Paul teaches, God has predestined us from all eternity to share His Son’s image:

For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? - (Romans 8:29-31).

We might add, if Mary is for us, who can be against us? She will defend us, she will always help us, and she will not rest until all of her children are with her in heaven, giving honor and glory through her Son to our one heavenly Father in the power of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever, Amen!

As the Church Fathers teach us in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church:

“Let the entire body of the faithful pour forth persevering prayer to the Mother of God and Mother of men. Let them implore that she who aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers may now, exalted as she is in heaven above all the saints and angels, intercede with her Son in the fellowship of all the saints. May she do so until all the peoples of the human family, whether they are honored with the name of Christian or whether they still do not know their Savior, are happily gathered together in peace and harmony into the one People of God, for the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity.” Amen!

Back to School Blessing

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Chris Vallely

As summer begins its downward slide into fall, we all must get ready to head back to school for another year. Autom would like to offer a Back-to-School blessing for all those students and faculty that will be heading back for the 2010-2011 school year.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Please watch over our students as they begin their next year of schooling. Guide them in the classroom that they may gain the knowledge and develop the skills You have given to them to create a brighter future, a future where we are always praising and glorifying Your name through our works. Please guide them outside of the classroom as well. Give them the courage and strength to follow in Your footsteps and to live by Your Word. Do not let them fall into peer pressure; but rather, fill them with the confidence we can only find in Your love and let them be a guiding light to their classmates and friends.

Lord, please watch over our teachers this year too. They are the potters who mold the clay of our future. Give them the wisdom and the strength to be a perfect example of You and Your love. May their words and teachings come from You, Lord, and may they touch the heart of each and every student. Let our teachers lead their students to know who You are.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Bart Tesoriero

"If we have died with him we shall also live with him;
if we persevere we shall also reign with him."
- 2 Timothy 2:11-12 (The New American Bible)

In the doctrine of the Assumption, the Church teaches that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken up body and soul into heaven after the completion of her earthly life. Because of her Immaculate Conception, Mary was freed from the consequences of Original Sin. Although this doctrine was not officially defined until 1950, Christians have celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary since the seventh century. Today join all of us here at Autom as we celebrate the Assumption as a holy day of obligation on August 15th.

Just as God acted directly in Mary that she might conceive and bear Jesus physically, so He acts in us that we might bear Jesus spiritually. Mary is both a sign of what heaven holds for us and a Mother to help us get there. She is a model and passionate advocate for us in our own spiritual journey of holiness.

Mary had a calling, and we do as well. Mary listened to the Lord always in her heart and obeyed Him. Let us follow in the ways of Mary and take time to listen to the gentle voice of the Spirit in the quiet of our hearts.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
For you have been purchased at a price.
Therefore, glorify God in your body."

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (The New American Bible)

The time has come to turn with our whole heart to our Father who loves us. When we do so, Mary will help us experience the glorious truth now and at the end of our lives on earth that “death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54 NAB).

Autom Forges East - 1-Year Anniversary in T.N.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 by Aaron Popp

With the fires of our 1-year anniversary in Tennessee still smoldering, one can't help but reflect back on the inaugural year that catapulted this prestigious family owned business into a league of our own.

As Autom moved eastward, we upgraded all customers from coach to first class, only forgetting the little bag of peanuts. The chief improvement; the construction of a 120,000 square foot mammoth house of logistical brilliance. The building is a testament to the commitment Autom has to its customers and a product of the firm’s upper echelon of executives and directors. Our executives were so focused on providing the best service possible; they orchestrated and then moved an operation with roots that stretched decades in Arizona all the way across the country to Lewisburg, TN to be better centrally located for its customers.

The move is a saga of 115 truck loads spread over six months, which had both its trials and triumphs, but that is a story for another day. Once they did land in the gorgeous green hills of TN, our executives deployed their "soldiers of service" to create and instill the Easy to do Business With philosophy they covet so. Hiring and developing an operational staff that consists of nearly all home grown Tennessee talent, the company was able to conduct a nearly flawless transition from desert flower to southern belle, while stimulating new jobs in the area.

The end game you ask? We have cut delivery time to customers by nearly half and in many ways have enhanced the overall customer experience exponentially. Moving the entire operation thousands of miles to be closer to our customers is the quintessential statement of how important our customers and their patronage are. At every level, Autom has their eye on the prize; to give the best possible customer experience in the industry, and I think it is clear we are willing to set entirely new standards to do so.

Autom is on Twitter and Facebook

Friday, August 6, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Have you started "following us" on Twitter or "liked" us on Facebook? If not, hurry before another savings opportunity passes you by!

Many of you may know that we have a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/automcatholic, but did you know that we just launched our Twitter page? Start following us on twitter at www.twitter.com/automcatholic.

Visit our Autom pages on both Twitter and Facebook for exclusive sales, photos, information and savings on all your favorite Catholic Church supplies and gifts. Once you start following us on these platforms, we will give you the opportunity to save big!

In June, we announced our first Facebook sale and offered our fans free shipping on any order. This last month we offered a 20% off coupon to all our Facebook fans, which was a huge success. We are going to try and offer one exclusive sale per month to only our Facebook and Twitter fans. This means we can offer greater savings and more unique sales!

Have an idea you would like Autom to promote? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to follow us on both Twitter and on Facebook, because you never know where the coupon code will arrive. Leave a comment or a tweet and say hello!

Back-2-School Bible Sale!

Monday, August 2, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Autom's BIGGEST Back-2-School Sale Ever!

Attention parents, students, teachers and religious education directors: To celebrate the start of school, we are reducing prices on our best selling books and Bibles for one week only. Let us help you save!

We took our best selling "The New American Bible," and reduced the price to just $4.99 per Bible, regardless of quantity! We also reduced the price on our best selling "Catechism of the Catholic Church" to just $6.99 each and took $5 off the price of our "Catholic Youth Bible: NAB Revised Edition."

Looking for something to please the younger students? We reduced the prices on our best selling "New Catholic Picture Bible" and "The Mass for Children" book by 20% and 33% respectively. We are also offering our "How to Pray the Rosary" pamphlet at nearly half off!

Looking for books and Bibles in Spanish? We reduced the price on our best selling Spanish Bible and Catechism. We took $10 off the retail price of "La Biblia Latinoamerica Letra Grande" and reduced the price of our "Catecismo de la Iglesia Catolica - Small Edition" by over 20%!

On top of the great prices, we have added FREE SHIPPING! Don't pay a dime on freight when ordering your Back-to-School Bibles and books from Autom. Our unbeatable prices and free shipping offer is good for one week only. Offer ends August 9, 2010 AT 11:59 PM EST.

Now is the perfect time to order your 2011 St. Joseph Sunday Missal and save!

Click here to enjoy our savings!

Christmas in July - Final Notice!

Thursday, July 29, 2010 by Chris Vallely

How would you like to save at least $75 on all your favorite Autom products? Stock up now to enjoy the savings!

We just wanted to remind everyone that our Christmas in July special is almost over. Free shipping is eligible on all orders over $500. Orders must be received by July 31st, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.

Head over to Autom.com to enjoy the extra savings!

Arizona Update

Monday, July 26, 2010 by Chris Vallely

Greetings from Arizona! As most of you know Arizona is really hot during the summer. Today is slated to reach only 107 degrees Farenheit. That's a bit cooler than the 115-118 temperatures we were having the last few weeks. But the heat isn't slowing us down one bit! We are approaching our busiest months of the year and we wanted to give you all a little bit of an update on everything Autom.

Did you know that Autom has a retail store? If not, now would be the time to come and explore our newly relocated and expanded superstore.
After nearly 62 years in Central Phoenix, we have moved our retail location right next door to our corporate office. Its new address is 5210 S. 31st Place, Phoenix, AZ, 85040.

As much as we loved the central location and all of our neighbors, things were getting a little crowded. In our new location we have doubled our space and added a more modern design. All of the extra space has allowed us to expand our product offering, which make shopping at Autom second to none. If you would like to see how the retail store came to life, view our pictures of the construction progress at www.facebook.com/automcatholic. If you have been to our new retail store location, please comment below and let us know what you think.

Other exciting news is that our Christmas in July free shipping event has been a huge success. We are offering free freight on all orders over $500 before July 31st at 11:59 PM EST. Customers are taking this opportunity to stock up on their fall and winter supplies. Save at least $75 with this free freight opportunity!

Are you getting ready to send the kids back to school? If so, what a better way than with a bag full of Autom supplies. Keep your eyes open for our upcoming back-to-school bible and book sale. Churches and RED's do not want to miss out on this one! We are lowering prices on our already low-priced, best selling books and bibles. Our #1 seller, the New American Bible will be offered at our lowest prices in years. Sound enticing? We will also be offering free shipping on top of that! We understand that the economy is effecting everyone, but that shouldn't impact a child's opportunity to experience the love of the Lord. Check your email on August 3rd!

The Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Chris Vallely

As most of you know, the BP oil spill has finally been "contained." The sealing cap system has been in place for a few days and it looks as if it is holding. We can only hope and pray that no more oil leaks into our beautiful seas. Join all of us at Autom as we pray for those affected by these events.

"When the just cry out, the LORD hears
and rescues them from all distress."
Psalm 34:18 (The New American Bible)

Dear Heavenly Father,

We adore You and praise You God. You truly care for all Your people. Your Word tells us, “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers” (Psalm 24:1-2).

We belong to You, Lord! All of us—people, animals, birds, the very seas and the earth itself—were formed by Your Word. You call us to be stewards of Your beautiful creation, with a stewardship that serves, is generous, and brings honor to Your name.

Have mercy on the departed and their families. Guide and protect those working to end the flow of oil into the Gulf and to clean up its effects on land and sea. Console all who have suffered and restore them and their livelihoods. Help us all to return to You.

"Let Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon us, even as our hope has rested in You."
Psalm 33:22

We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Christmas in July Update!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by Chris Vallely

I hope everyone's summer has been fun-filled and exciting! Things here at Autom sure are heating up. We have been busy preparing for our Christmas/Fall season. One thing we are always pleased to offer is our "Christmas in July" savings event.

Each year we offer you, the customer, FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $500! Take this as an opportunity to stock up on all of your fall, winter, Christmas, and Advent supplies. Most churches and schools like to purchase their copies of the New American Bible for the remainder of the year. Others stock up on clergy shirts! Our clergy apparel section is hands down the largest, highest quality, and least expensive in the industry.

Although most people tend to purchase their usual favorites, I would recommend trying something new! We have added over 600 new items to our Fall Catalog! Yes, 600! The new Christmas items are some of the best products we have had in years. Check Autom.com for more information and links to enjoy the savings!

Have a great rest of your summer and God Bless You All!

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

Friday, July 9, 2010 by Bart Tesoriero

Today, Autom would like you to join us as we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Visit Autom.com for great prices on all your Our Lady of Mt. Carmel devotional items.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the title of Our Blessed Mother Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order.

The prophet Elijah devoted himself completely to God. His one desire was to stand before the face of the living God. He is perhaps best known for his contest on Mount Carmel with the false prophets of Baal, whom God exposed by sending fire from heaven on Elijah’s sacrifice, and whom Elijah subsequently slew in order to restore Israel to God.

In the 12^th century, a group of pilgrims settled at the foot of Mount Carmel to lead a life of prayer and contemplation. These first fathers built a chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary and placed themselves under her special patronage and protection. In 1209, Saint Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem, gave a rule to these first hermits, known as the Brothers of Our Blessed Lady of Carmel—the Carmelites. When Jerusalem fell to Saracen invaders a few decades later, the monks fled to Europe, reaching England around 1240. In 1247, the English Carmelites chose Saint Simon Stock as their Prior General.

On July 16, 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Simon, holding out a brown woolen scapular, saying, “Receive, My beloved son, the Scapular of thy Order. It is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. Whoever dies clothed with this Scapular shall be preserved from the eternal flames. It is a sign of salvation, a sure safeguard in danger, a pledge of peace and of My special protection until the end of the ages.”

The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the habit of the Carmelite Order and signifies an affiliation with the Carmelites. Therefore, the wearer shares in the graces of the Carmelite family. In 1331, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16^th, was instituted as the patronal feast of the Carmelite Order, and extended by Pope Benedict XIII to the whole Church in 1726.

In the late 16^th century, Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross reformed the Order, out of which came the Discalced Carmelites. The Carmelites have produced other great saints, among them Saint Therese of Lisieux, and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). Today all Carmelites continue to seek to stand before God, true to their motto, taken from the words of the Prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:14: “With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord, God of hosts.”

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

The Feast of Saint Benedict

Friday, July 2, 2010 by Bart Tesoriero

Saint Benedict

Join Autom as we celebrate the feast of Saint Benedict on July 11th. Many people are familiar with the St. Benedict medal, as well as the St. Benedict crucifix and other items. Our current pope, Benedict XVI, chose his name partly because of his devotion to Saint Benedict, who is the Patron protector of all Europe.

Saint Benedict:

Saint Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy, in 480 AD. Educated at Rome, Benedict was repulsed by the city’s vice and degeneration, and fled to Subiaco. There he met Romanus, a monk who brought him to a secret mountain cave, where he lived as a hermit for three years. Disciples gathered around Benedict, attracted by his holiness and miraculous gifts. Some monks asked Benedict to lead them, but grew angry at his strict rule, and gave him poisoned wine. Benedict blessed the cup, which shattered before their eyes, and he returned to Subiaco.

Benedict then settled at Monte Cassino, a mountain top overlooking the beautiful southern Italian farmland. He destroyed a pagan temple, brought the inhabitants back to Christianity, and around 530 AD founded the monastery which became the birthplace of Western monasticism. Disciples again flocked to Benedict as his reputation for holiness, wisdom, and miracles spread across the countryside.

Benedict organized the monks into a single monastic community and wrote his famous Rule, prescribing common sense, moderate asceticism, prayer, study, work, and community life under one superior, in order to help each monk truly love God and attain the Kingdom of heaven. Benedict’s Rule was to affect spiritual and monastic life in the West for centuries to come, as monks kept alive the light of faith and learning through the Dark Ages. Their motto was: Ora et Labora—Pray and Work.

Saint Benedict could read consciences, prophesy, and rebuff the attacks of the devil. His holiness and charisms remind us that God continues to send holy ones in our midst to help us all follow His universal call to union with Himself in true joy, peace, and service. Benedict died at Monte Cassino in 547 and was buried with his beloved twin sister, Saint Scholastica. In 1964, Pope Paul IV named Saint Benedict, the Father of Western Monasticism, as Patron Protector of Europe.

Autom encourages you to get your St. Benedict Crucifix or St. Benedict Medal and pray the Prayer of Saint Benedict with us today! Head over to Autom.com to purchase a St. Benedict crucifix, St. Benedict medal, or a Benedict saint bracelet to help you in your devotion.

Prayer of Saint Benedict

Gracious and holy Father,
grant us the intellect to understand You,
reason to discern You, diligence to seek You,
wisdom to find You, a spirit to know You, and a heart to meditate upon You.

May our ears hear You, may our eyes behold You,
and may our tongues proclaim You.
Give us grace that our way of life may be pleasing to You,
that we may have the patience to wait for You
and the perseverance to look for You.

Grant us a perfect end - Your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Feast Day of Saint Benedict is July 11th

Friday, July 2, 2010 by Alicia Reidhead

Autom offers a variety of items to help you honor the upcoming feast day of Saint Benedict, including our best selling St. Benedict Crucifixes and St. Benedict Medals.

This traditional black enamel Saint Benedict Crucifix has been a customer favorite for many years. It comes gift boxed and includes a card explaining the meaning behind the symbols that appear on the St. Benedict

Medal. This crucifix can be worn around your neck, carried in your purse/wallet, or placed in your home or car.

If you are looking for a Saint Benedict rosary, we have several options from affordable cord rosaries to Italian made glass and hematite rosaries. This particular rosary features hematite beads, a St. Benedict Medal centerpiece and St. Benedict Rosary Crucifix with black enamel.

Be sure to visit our website, Autom.com for many more Saint Benedict devotional items!

Banners for all Seasons

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Beth Williams

As many of you know, we have a lot of seasons in the Church, and it seems like we are always gearing up for the next one. If your church decorates for the different seasons by hanging banners, there is no better place to shop than Autom for affordable Church Supplies. Not only do we offer the best prices anywhere, but our selection is enormous. If your church does not decorate, you may want to reconsider. Banners are a great accessory that adds reverence and beauty to any sanctuary.

Whether you are looking for Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Patriotic, Outreach, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, or Everyday Banners, Autom is your solution for all Catholic Church supplies. With prices starting at just $14.99, you will be able to hang banners for every season. Even the large 3'x6' canvas banners start as low as $34.99!

One of our best-selling banners is 'The Story of Christmas' Banner. We used children's art to depict the different elements of the Christmas Story, ultimately creating an elegant banner. The 'Fishers of Men' Banner is another customer favorite. We designed this particular banner exclusively for Autom. It depicts a net draped over a cross standing in a boat,

which is all set against an amazing sunrise. Lastly, the 'Come Lord Jesus' Banner, which is part of the Holiday Set, features the silhouette of a mountain range resting beneath a star-filled sky. This is a dramatic banner that can be hung during the entire Advent Season. No matter which season it may be, Autom has something for everyone.

With low prices and a great selection; our banners also make a wonderful gift to your church! Visit the Autom website to view our entire selection of banners!