Making big Christian church supplies purchases for your church can be a daunting task. Even multiple small purchases can be stressful, depending on type and quantity. St. Patrick’s Guild has been in the church supply business since 1949 and is here to ensure that you never have to ask "where can I buy church supplies' again. While our stock of new items is unmatched, we also have a great deal of experience with used church items. We are here and happy to provide individualized support, but we hope this general blog post helps as well. Here are our top three tips.

Christian Church Supplies: Budget

Every church has a different budget. But each church leader must consider the impact of various church supply purchases on operating costs. As with any budgeting process, it makes sense to think long-term about finances. What supplies are needed now? What will be needed over the course of the year? And what are the really big-ticket items that might take 3-5 years of saving? Think through your inventory so you aren’t buying items you already have on hand, but stockpiling at certain items at times does make sense - like during our annual church candle sale. You may also consider buying used church items to ease the impact on your budget. Be sure to use a reputable used church supplies dealer (St. Patrick’s Guild is recognized by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis). Common used church items include furniture, crucifixes and art.

Christian Church Supplies: Church Guidelines

The Roman Catholic Church has particular rules about certain church supplies. Altar linens must be made of a certain material. Particular candles are used during specific times and liturgical seasons. Processes for the Eucharist preparation and the accompanying supplies are particularly specific, as they should be. If you are new to the purchasing of church supplies, you will want to familiarize yourself thoroughly with these guidelines. Be careful of buying without the help of professionals in this case. Once you get used to the various constructs, then shopping on your own or placing quick re-orders will be easy.

Christian Church Supplies: Consult With Others

While restocking candles or purchasing altar wine may not require decision-by-committee, larger church supply orders should probably involve a few stakeholders. Even if you’re buying more affordable used church items, it makes sense to get various opinions. When we work with churches on large church supply orders (those that may impact the look, feel, or function of your church space, such as church furniture), we find the most success when congregants and others are consulted. At the least, whether or not various consultations yield agreement, those who are consulted are aware of any upcoming changes in church supplies.

Where Can I Buy Church Supplies?

At St. Patrick’s Guild, we offer a selection of Christian church supplies to fit the needs of your church along with faith-based gifts and books. Check out our selection online today or reach out to us personally so we can better serve you.