New religious goods store opens its doors

Intermountain Catholic

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Store owner Jacque Smithe with her two daughters attend the grand opening of the Magdalene Religious Goods and Coffee Grotto. IC photo/Laura Vallejo

SALT LAKE CITY — A year ago the announcement that Mancuso’s Religious Goods, Gifts and Books Inc. was closing reverberated in the Catholic community.

When Jacque and Tim Smithe heard the news it was a sweet and sour feeling.

"I used to go to the Paraclete (a book store whose inventory was purchased by the Mancusos to open their shop) when I was in college, and I used to go to Masses there and when the Mancusos bought it I started to go to Masses there in their chapel. … So when they went out of business first I was sad, but then I thought this would be a lovely opportunity to try a new ministry," said Jacque Smithe.

As Saint Catherine of Sienna/Newman Center parishioners, the Smithes have been involved with the church community and Jacque always had the feeling that they needed to do a little more, she said.

The Smithes thought about buying the Mancuso’s shop on State Street, but "it made more sense for us to start in a new place," she said.

The couple opened their business, the Magdalene Religious Goods and Coffee Grotto, in the Sugarhouse area. The shop offers more than just religious goods; one side of the store is taken up by a café. The aroma of fresh-baked goods invites people to enjoy a peaceful moment while they drink a cup of coffee or tea.

On the second floor of the store is an area for gatherings; groups such as the Girl Scouts already have been reserving their space for their activities.

"The space is free of charge," said Jacque, adding that she is excited about the idea of welcoming Girl Scouts to work on their religious emblems there. "Any one that wants to have a meeting or a small gathering can come here," she said.

Also on the second floor is a small chapel, which is getting its final touches.

"This is a space for people to come and meditate, or pray in a peaceful environment," Jacque said.

On the main floor people can find religious goods ranging from rosaries and holy medals to larger statues, books and DVDs.

"We also want to have dresses for First Communion and baptism," said Jacque, who is planning to have mother/daughter tea parties as well.

"We want to bring all the community together; all the parishes can come here. … We are also planning to have monthly lectures and honor different saints each month," she said.

The Magdalene Religious Goods and Coffee Grotto celebrated its grand opening Dec. 21. Dominican Father Carl Schlichte, pastor of St. Catherine Sienna/Newman Center, blessed the store.

"They are wonderful parishioners that always have been involved at St. Catherine’s," said Fr. Carl about the Smithes. "They prayed very hard whether to do this [filling the space with Mancuso’s closing]. They really perceive that voice, that need; they got creative not just getting the religious goods."

"It’s important for people to know that there is a strong Catholic community. … We are here because people need to learn about their religion; they need an opportunity to buy the rosaries, the medals and the books, and expand their ministry in their lives," said Jacque Smithe.

The Magdalene Religious Goods and Coffee Grotto is located at 2030 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Phone: 801-953-1820