Corpus Christi is a celebration centered on one of the deepest mysteries of the Catholic faith: the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Through Eucharistic processions, Adoration, prayer, and time spent before the Blessed Sacrament, the faithful are invited to reflect more deeply on Christ’s presence in the life of the Church.

Saint Carlo Acutis and Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to the Eucharist, once saying:

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

Using his interest in technology, Carlo created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world—helping others learn more about the Church’s long history of miracles connected to the Blessed Sacrament.

Years later, the website continues to educate and inspire Catholics throughout the world.

CLICK HERE to Explore Carlo Acutis’ Eucharistic Miracles Website

CLICK HERE for information about Exhibits of the Eucharistic Miracles and Carlo Acutis. 

Eucharistic Devotionals

For many Catholics, this season also becomes an opportunity to strengthen Eucharistic devotion at home through prayer, study, sacred art, and reflection.

1. Pocket Guide to Adoration - Click Here

A compact and practical guide by Fr. Josh Johnson designed to deepen your time before the Blessed Sacrament. Filled with reflections, saintly wisdom, and prayer prompts, it’s a wonderful companion for Eucharistic Adoration.

2. Amazing Nearness: Meditations of the Eucharist - Click Here

This thoughtful spiritual classic by Fr. Tadeusz Dajczer invites readers to grow closer to Christ through Eucharistic Adoration, silence, and prayer. A beautiful companion for anyone seeking a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

3. Pocket Catechism on the Eucharist with Prayers - Click Here

This compact Catholic booklet offers clear and faithful answers to common questions about the Eucharist while including beautiful Eucharistic prayers and devotions. Perfect for OCIA, faith formation, or personal study.

4. Magnetic Adoration Bookmarks - Click Here

Keep a reminder of the Blessed Sacrament close at hand with these beautifully designed monstrance magnetic bookmarks. Perfect for Bibles, prayer books, and spiritual reading, they make a thoughtful gift for anyone devoted to Eucharistic Adoration.

5. Eucharist by Bishop Robert Barron - Click Here

In this insightful and approachable book, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Eucharist as sacred meal, sacrifice, and the Real Presence of Christ. A wonderful resource for Eucharistic revival, faith formation, or deeper reflection on the Mass.

6. The Holy Eucharist Picture Book - Click Here

Written especially for children preparing for First Holy Communion, this colorful and easy-to-understand book explains the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. A wonderful resource for sacramental preparation, Catholic schools, or faith-filled family reading.

7. Saint Carlo Acutis & Holy Eucharist LED Candle - Click Here

Honor the Eucharist and the life of Saint Carlo Acutis with this beautifully designed LED prayer candle. Featuring Carlo with the Eucharist in front of Our Lady of Grace, this devotional light offers a meaningful way to reflect on his deep love for the Real Presence and his childlike trust in Our Blessed Mother.

8. The Handy Little Guide: Adoration - Click Here

This practical and encouraging guide by Michelle Jones Schroeder helps Catholics feel more comfortable and confident spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to deepen their prayer life amidst the busyness of everyday life.

Corpus Christi serves as a reminder that devotion to the Eucharist extends beyond a single feast day.

Through prayer, Adoration, study, and reflection, Catholics are continually invited to draw closer to Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

We are honored to accompany the faithful in this season of devotion and reflection—during Corpus Christi and throughout the year.

Main Photo by Tim Engle taken at Lake Tahoe during the Eucharistic Pilgrimage. 

The Stations of the Cross tell the story of suffering, loss, and ultimately redemption.

In 2013, the parish of Mary Queen of Heaven in Malakoff, Texas lived through a story that echoed those same themes.

When a car crashed into the church’s sacristy and ignited a fire that consumed the building, the small community was left standing before smoke-blackened walls and the remains of the sacred space they loved.

Yet even in the aftermath, not everything had been lost.

A Parish Determined to Rebuild

Mary Queen of Heaven parish had humble beginnings.

Founded in the early years of the Diocese of Tyler, the parish was created when a small group of Catholics requested a church in Malakoff, a town of just 2,000 residents. With limited resources, the parish converted a donated leather factory into a worship space.

When the fire destroyed the building in 2013, parishioners faced years of uncertainty. For four years, the community worshiped in borrowed spaces while working to rebuild.

Insurance negotiations, fundraising efforts, and generous support from organizations such as the Catholic Extension Society helped move the project forward. In 2015, construction of a new church finally began.

The goal was not simply to replace what had been lost.

The parish wanted something beautiful — a church that reflected the presence of God in their community.

Restoring What Survived

Among the items damaged in the fire were the parish’s Stations of the Cross.

These devotional images hold a special place in Catholic life, particularly during Lent, when the faithful gather to walk with Christ through His Passion.

Although the Stations were heavily damaged by smoke and heat, they were not beyond saving.

Through careful restoration work, the pieces were cleaned, repaired, and renewed so they could once again serve the parish.

Beauty in a Place That Needs Hope

The rebuilding of Mary Queen of Heaven meant more than constructing a new building.

It was about creating a sacred space worthy of the parish community and the faith they shared.

Henderson County, where Malakoff is located, is in Texas. For parishioners, the beauty of their new church carries deep meaning.

As parishioner Sally Keenan reflected:

“Humans long for beauty and transcendence. Especially in areas that struggle, beauty speaks to the inner self and impacts the whole community.”

The new church was dedicated in January 2016, bringing together a diverse parish community of longtime residents and young families working in agriculture, ranching, and construction.

Today, Mary Queen of Heaven stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the belief that even after loss, something beautiful can rise again.

A Story Especially Meaningful During Lent

During the Lenten season, Catholics throughout the world pray the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on Christ’s journey to Calvary.

At Mary Queen of Heaven, these restored Stations carry an additional meaning.

They remind the parish community that suffering and loss are not the end of the story.

Just as Christ’s Passion leads to the Resurrection, the parish’s own journey through tragedy ultimately led to renewal.

Sacred art is meant to endure.

When time, accident, or tragedy leaves its mark, careful restoration can allow these pieces to continue their purpose—guiding prayer and devotion for generations yet to come. At F.C. Ziegler, we approach each restoration with reverence for the history and faith it represents.

If your parish has sacred artwork in need of restoration, we would be honored to help bring it back to life.

Information about this story was provided by an article from Catholic Extension Society. 

When people think of F.C. Ziegler, they often picture beautifully crafted brass candlesticks, gold‑finished vessels, and silver appointments destined for sanctuaries around the world. That heritage is real—and it’s something we’re proud of. But it’s not the whole story.

Behind the scenes, our metal shop teams bring decades of craftsmanship, engineering know‑how, and problem‑solving creativity to projects that go well beyond traditional religious goods.

Craftsmanship That Translates Anywhere

At its core, great metalwork is about precision, finish, and durability. Those same standards that guide the creation of liturgical pieces also make our team uniquely suited for custom, non‑traditional projects.

Our artisans regularly work with a wide range of metals, including brass, bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum. We offer polished, brushed, plated, and other specialty finishes, with tight tolerances and consistent, repeatable production. We can support both one-off custom builds and small production runs.

This flexibility allows us to collaborate with partners across industries who need something distinctive, durable, and beautifully made.

A 20-Year Relationship: The Golden Trowel Award

An annual project highlights just how adaptable our capabilities can be. For 20 years, F.C. Ziegler has been honored to create custom awards for the FACE Construction Technologies - Golden Trowel® Award for the “flattest and most level floor slabs in the world”. A celebration of excellence in concrete construction.

Each award demanded precision metal and wood elements, a carefully executed professional finish, and a design that spoke to both achievement and craftsmanship.

Our metal shop worked closely with the project team to bring the concept to life, producing awards that were both visually striking and built to last. The result is a finished piece that feels substantial, intentional, and worthy of the accomplishment it recognized.

Custom Work, Collaborative Process

Every custom project begins with a conversation. Whether you’re creating an award, an architectural element, a branded object, or a specialty component, our team works closely with you to understand your goals, including the intended function, design vision, material and finish preferences, and timeline and budget requirements.

From there, we move into prototyping, refinement, and production—always with the same attention to detail that defines our core product lines.

Let’s Build Something Unique

F.C. Ziegler’s roots are in sacred spaces, but our craftsmanship isn’t limited to them. If you have a custom metal or wood project, traditional or not, our team is ready to help bring it to life.

Have an idea or a challenge in mind? We’d love to talk.

Because great craftsmanship belongs everywhere.

A Diocesan Vision for Renewal

When the Tulsa Diocese Rural Outreach Program invited every parish to renew its sanctuary vessels or order new ones, we knew something special was about to happen. Remote parishes dusted off chalices, ciboria, monstrances, and pyxes that had served a generation of priests and people. Their next stop: our Tulsa workshop.

Front-and-center in the photo below is a pyx—freshly replated, polished, and gleaming. We found the exact model in our 1969 catalog: we’d built this very pyx more than half a century ago. Now it’s ready for another fifty years of bringing the Eucharist to the sick and home-bound.

The items below were refinished for Sacred Heart in Wilburton, Oklahoma and Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. 

This is a true testament to the lasting quality of well-crafted church goods- we've always manufactured items that will be enjoyed for decades to come. Below are before photos of the items when received in our shop: 

Father Leo Medina posted showing the items that were refinished for Holy Rosary in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. 

Here are the before photos: 

Father Ketterer raised the money to outfit all the churches in the diocese to either purchase new sacred vessels or refinish them. During 2025, many of these churches have used the funds to refinish the sacred chalices that have been in those churches for generations. 

When you invest in new sacred vessels, trust a maker with a proven legacy. Choose pieces cast from metal thick enough to withstand multiple replatings—durability that lets a chalice serve generation after generation. Bargain-thin alternatives may look economical today, but they rarely survive even one refinishing, making them the costlier choice in the long run.

Thin metals will be eaten away enough that just refinishing once will not be possible. A good way to check your chalices and ciboriums, is to try and squeeze the cup area. If you cannot, the metal is thick enough to withstand several refinishings over the years are built to last at least a century. 

Whether your parish is discerning new chalices and ciboria that will out-last generations or you’d like to breathe new life into well-loved vessels already in service, our Tulsa metalware team is here to help.

From structural repairs and replating to custom engraving and turnkey replacements, we treat every paten, chalice, ciborium, pyx, and monstrance as an heirloom in the making—quite possibly one we crafted decades ago!

Entrust your sacred vessels to the craftsmen who have been serving the Church since 1929, and keep the beauty of your liturgy shining for the next century.

As the Christmas season draws to a close, many religious households partake in a special tradition to welcome the New Year and commemorate the Feast of Epiphany: chalking the door. This practice is a way to invite Christ’s blessing into your home and lives, symbolizing faith, protection, and hospitality.

What Is Chalking the Door?

Chalking the door involves writing a series of symbols with blessed chalk, typically above the main entrance of the home. For 2024, the inscription would read:

20 ✝ C ✝ M ✝ B ✝ 24

The numbers represent the year, while the letters have two meanings:

1. They stand for the traditional names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—who visited the Christ Child.
2. They also form the Latin phrase, Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.”

The crosses between the letters and numbers symbolize Christ’s presence and protection.

How to Chalk the Door

1. Begin with a short prayer, asking for Christ’s blessing upon your household.
2. Use blessed chalk to write the symbols.
3. Recite the following blessing (or a similar one):
   “Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who dwell in it. Fill them with the light of Christ, that their love for one another and for others may shine brightly. Amen.”
4. Finish by sprinkling the doorway with holy water, if available.

Why Do We Chalk the Door?

This beautiful tradition connects our homes to the journey of the Magi and invites Christ to dwell within. It’s a powerful reminder to open our hearts to the blessings and responsibilities of faith, hospitality, and love.

Celebrating Epiphany Beyond Chalking

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, is also a time to reflect on the manifestation of Christ to all nations. Whether it’s through attending Mass, preparing a King Cake, or spending time with family, this feast reminds us of God’s universal love.

Let your door proclaim your faith and welcome Christ into your home this Epiphany!

Please CLICK HERE for a free printable version of this from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

Spread the word by ordering these informational cards for your parish, friends and or family....

The Damage We Met at the Loading Dock

When this plaster camel arrived last August, decades of weather and one unfortunate fall had left it almost unrecognizable:

• a snapped-in-half plaster base
• layers of old paint that covered some of the original jewels
• Damage to the plaster and past repairs done poorly
• a frayed rope bridle and hairline cracks 

Without intervention the figure would have been unsafe to display—and unfit to kneel beside the manger in 2025.

A Step-by-Step Resurrection

Our Tulsa Art Studio follows a museum-grade workflow for large statues:

The Reveal

After nearly six weeks of patient craftsmanship, the camel emerged with:

• richly blended camel-hair hues
• jewel-tone saddle blanket and uncovered gemstones
• reinforced base strong enough for another generation of display
  

And is ready for the Magi’s caravan once more.

Why Book Repairs Now?

Restoration—done right—is never a rush job. Quotes, shipping crates, curing time, and finish coats can span months per piece. Scheduling your damaged figures this winter–spring means they’ll return chapel-ready for next Advent, instead of spending another Christmas hidden in storage.

What We Restore

• Outdoor & indoor nativity figures (plaster, resin, fiberglass, wood)
• Statues and Stations of the Cross
• Pedestals, reliquaries, sanctuary lamps, fonts, and more

Every project is photographed, insured, and lovingly documented from arrival to final blessing.

Ready to Give Your Nativity New Life?

1. Email photos & dimensions
sales@zieglers.com ― we’ll reply with a free preliminary estimate.

2. Approve the quote & shipping plan
We arrange custom crating or guide you through safe packing.

3. Receive a Bethlehem-bright set before next December
Each figure returns sealed, color-matched, and protected for future generations.

Entrusting your irreplaceable statues and sacred art to someone else is no small decision. At F.C. Ziegler Co., every piece that enters our studio is treated as a treasure of the Church—handled with museum-grade materials, photographed at each stage, and restored under the steady eyes of artisans who view their craft as an act of prayer.

From first consultation to final blessing, you can be confident that what you send us will return stronger, more radiant, and ready to proclaim the mystery it was made to serve.

We can’t wait to help your parish proclaim the Nativity next Advent—with every camel, king, and angel shining like new.

This December, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone in our company’s history. On December 14, 1900, our founder Francis Charles Madison (F.C.) Ziegler was born in South Dakota. If he were with us today, he would be 125 years old.

A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and Craftsmanship

F.C. was born Francis Charles Madison to Charles and Elizabeth Madison. His mother passed away when he was less than a year old, and he was adopted by her sister Anna and her husband Jacob Ziegler, who raised him in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He grew up alongside the Ziegler and Madison cousins, unaware of his adoption until the age of 18 — a discovery he later described as “like a bolt of lightning.”  

At sixteen, F.C. left school and apprenticed at Bechtel Jewelers, quickly mastering the trade and showing early signs of his lifelong perseverance and creativity. By his early twenties, he owned his own small jewelry business in Sioux Falls before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the mid-1920s.

He married Julia Ann Naughton in 1922, and together they raised seven children. In 1929, he founded what would become F.C. Ziegler Company, just two weeks before the Great Depression began. With unshakable determination, he moved his tools into the family garage and continued working, taking on any honest job — repairing watches, melting scrap gold, crafting buttons, even selling berries door-to-door to support his family and keep the business alive.

By the mid-1930s, with the help of Tulsa oilman Waite Phillips, Frank reopened his shop downtown in the Philcade Building. There he gained national recognition for a sterling-silver model of an oil-pipeline pump, marking the first of many achievements that combined artistry with industry.

When the Second World War made European church goods scarce, F.C. was asked by Sir John Craig to design sacred vessels for priests serving missions. That single request began the company’s enduring legacy in ecclesiastical metalware — a line of work that continues to define us nearly a century later.

A Legacy That Lives On

Those who knew F.C. described him as humble, loyal, generous, and deeply moral — a man who kept his word and treated all people with respect. He never used vulgar language, never spoke ill of another race or religion, and even stood up for others when it wasn’t popular to do so. He loved sailing, believed card games sharpened the mind, and above all, he lived for people more than things.

He led by quiet example — expecting honesty, valuing fairness, and proving through his actions that faith and integrity could coexist with business success. He passed away on August 30, 1993, at the age of 92, leaving behind a company built not only on craftsmanship, but on character.

Faith was not just a part of F.C.’s life — it shaped the company he built. He responded to the needs of the Church not simply as a craftsman, but as a man whose values were rooted in the Catholic faith. The Prayer of St. Francis, found among his memorial cards, reflects the way he lived: with humility, charity, and a desire to serve. His respect for clergy, his fairness toward all people, and his commitment to creating sacred vessels that helped the Church worship with beauty all speak to a faith lived quietly but deeply. Today, our work continues that same mission to support the Church with honesty, craftsmanship, and reverence.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Founders’ Day and F.C.’s 125th birthday, we also look toward the future with pride:

• Entering our 97th year in 2026
• Four generations strong
• And preparing to mark our 100th anniversary in 2029

Our founder’s legacy reminds us that perseverance, creativity, and faith are timeless — and that our work today continues a story nearly a century in the making. F.C.’s life — from an adopted child who learned jewelry at 16, to a young husband crafting goods in a garage during the Depression, to the creator of sacred vessels now used across the country — shows what is possible when skill, courage, and purpose come together. His example continues to guide our hands and our hearts.

For nearly one hundred years, F.C.’s vision has been carried forward not only by his family but by generations of dedicated team members who built this company through their craftsmanship, service, and belief in our mission. Every chalice polished, every candle packed, every order taken, every shipment loaded, every customer helped all of it has kept this company strong. Today, each of you continues that work. Your commitment, your skill, and your pride in what you do ensure that the spirit F.C. instilled in this company lives on. We are deeply grateful for all who came before us, and for every one of you who helps carry this legacy into our 100th year and beyond.

Thank you for being part of it!

Warm regards,

William Zitter

President

F.C. Ziegler Co.

Sharing the Gift of Faith This Christmas

Christmas is a season of joy, love, and the greatest gift of all: our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

We're thrilled to be a part of your celebration by offering faith-filled gifts to share with your loved ones.  Explore now and let us help you make this season even more meaningful. 

Click ahead to the gifts you want to shop:

For the Family    For the Reader/Planner    For the Home and Auto

1. Story of all Stories - Click HERE 

A keepsake, fully-illustrated “story Bible” that walks kids (ages 7–13) through salvation history as one exciting, Catholic narrative—from Creation to the early Church—complete with saint quotes and vibrant art. A perfect family read-aloud that helps children see their own place in God’s unfolding plan. (Browse all children’s books HERE.)

2. Puzzles - Click HERE 

Puzzles make an excellent family gift, offering a fun and meaningful way to come together. From easy puzzles for small children to challenging 1,000 piece designs for adults, there's something for every age to enjoy while creating lasting memories. 

3. Devotional Candles - Click HERE 

From our new LED Carlo Acutis candle (flame-free and perfect for kids’ rooms or dorms) to classic glass novena candles, you’ll find a saint-themed light for every corner of the home. Choose your family’s favorite patrons, set them in the window or on the dinner table, and let their gentle glow keep Advent and Christmas prayer front-and-center.

4. A Continual Feast - Click HERE 

More than a cookbook, this liturgical-year classic serves up 275 family-friendly recipes for every season—from Advent cinnamon stars to Pentecost picnic fare—along with saints-day stories, fasting tips, and kid-sized kitchen projects. A warm way to weave faith, culture, and shared meals into daily life.
(Browse all cookbooks HERE.)

5. Tiny Saints - Click HERE 

These little charms make a delightful and personal gift, and are perfect for attaching to a purse, keychain, or backpack. These durable mini representations of beloved saints bring daily inspiration and a cheerful reminder of faith, making them a wonderful addition to everyday devotions. 

6. Socks - Click HERE 

Faith-inspired socks make a fun and meaningful gift for adults and children alike. Featuring designs with the Holy Family, saints, Noah's ark, and more, they are a fashion forward way of sharing the spirit of the season with loved ones.

1. Catholics in the Kitchen - Click HERE 

Recipes plus testimonies—this hardcover gathers Creole gumbos, Polish cakes, and family stories that show how God “moves amid the pots and pans.” A flavorful gift that turns the kitchen into a domestic church and unites faith with every forkful.
(Browse all cookbooks HERE.)

2. Saints Calendar & 16 Month Planner - Click HERE 

Spiral-bound to lay flat and packed with feasts, fasting days, and liturgical Sundays (both Ordinary and Traditional), this 16-month planner—September 2025 to December 2026—keeps every appointment anchored in the rhythm of the Church. Ideal for professionals, students, homeschoolers, and parish staff who want faith and schedule on the same page.
(Browse all Catholic planners & calendars HERE.)

3. Catechism of the Catholic Church: Notetaking Edition - Click HERE

The same edition Fr. Mike Schmitz uses in The Catechism in a Year podcast, redesigned with color-coded “Foundations of Faith,” note-taking margins, and quick-glance charts. Lined space lets you journal as you read, while callouts tie every teaching to Scripture and Tradition. A study-ready Catechism that turns deep doctrine into daily transformation.
(Browse all Catechisms and study resources HERE.)

4. Dilexi Te: On Love for the Poor - First Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV  - Click HERE 

Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation—begun by Pope Francis and signed on the feast of St Francis—calls the whole Church to poverty of spirit, humility, and love for the poor. A foundational text for understanding the new pontificate and a compelling resource for clergy, study groups, and anyone seeking a simpler, gospel-centered life.
(Browse all Pope Leo XIV Books and Gifts HERE.)

5. The Great Adventure Catholic Bible - Click HERE 

The beloved color-coded Bible that syncs with Fr. Mike’s Bible-in-a-Year plan—now available in Notetaking Edition with wide margins for journaling. Timelines, maps, and Catechism call-outs make salvation history clear while inviting your own reflections. A gift that turns daily reading into a lifelong conversation with God.
(Browse all Catholic Bibles HERE.)

6. Praying with the Popes: Words of Hope and Peace from Leo XIII to Leo XIV - Click HERE 

Twelve modern popes—Leo XIII through Leo XIV—speak across 150 years on justice, peace, and human dignity. Each short chapter pairs six curated quotes with prompts for prayer and action, making it a ready-made family or small-group devotional and a gentle introduction to Catholic social teaching.
(Browse all Books HERE.)

1. Framed Portrait of Pope Leo XIV - Click HERE  

A reverent keepsake for home altars or offices: Pope Leo XIV’s formal portrait in white cassock, presented in an ornate antique-gold frame (choose 5″×7″ or 15½″×19½″). A dignified reminder to pray for our new Holy Father and honor his historic papacy.

2. Auto Visor Clips - Click HERE

Put every journey in heavenly hands. From full-color visor clips of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St Michael and St Christopher and plus religious window stickers, we have a devotional for every driver and every dashboard. Thoughtful gifts for new licensees, daily commuters, or anyone who loves to pray on the road. 

3. Auto Rosaries - Click HERE

One-decade rosaries built for the road: wrap the cord around your rear-view mirror and keep prayer within reach on every commute. Choose from St Michael, St Christopher, Miraculous Medal, and more—each offered in multiple bead colors. A durable, faith-filled gift for new drivers, daily commuters, and anyone who likes to pray between stoplights.
(Browse the full auto-rosary collection HERE.)

4. Catholic Kitchen Towels - Click HERE

Our religious kitchen towels add both charm and inspiration to everyday chores. With uplifting sayings and faith-filled designs, they're a perfect way to infuse daily routines with joy and spiritual reflection. 

5. Wall Crucifix for the Home - Click HERE

A solemn reminder of Christ’s love for every room. Choose from wood, bronze, ceramic, and painted styles—rich dark walnut to bright pop-color enamel—so each household can display the Cross in a way that fits its décor. A timeless gift for house-blessings, weddings, and family prayer corners.

6. Coasters with Catholic Designs - Click HERE

These religious coasters blend practicality with inspiration. Just as coasters will protect your tabletop from wear, your faith provides strength and solace, shielding your soul from life's daily challenges. 

Send a Little Extra Love this Season 

Christmas cards already warm the heart—but sometimes you want to tuck in just a bit more without wrapping a full-blown gift. Think of it as sending a tiny care-package of faith: a holy card that slips between lines of handwritten gratitude, a rosary card that turns a commute into prayer, a wafer packet of Oplatki that lets the family share blessing at the table.

Below you’ll find our favorite “envelope-friendly” extras, plus quick mailing tips so everything arrives uncrushed and on time. Click the product name to view the categories. 

These items don't require any additional postage or special envelopes. Excellent for adding to the sentiment of the Christmas Card you're sending.

*This is regarding flat paper or laminated bookmarks. Bookmarks with tassels or magnets can't go with a standard forever stamp and will require a non-machinable stamp or to go into a padded envelope.

A simple card already says “Merry Christmas.”
Slip in a holy card, a tiny medal, or a bifold prayer, and it also says:

I remembered you.
I’m praying for you.
Your faith matters to me.

These lightweight extras become bookmarks in a Bible, tokens in a pocket, little anchors of hope on hard days. They’re proof that behind the handwriting on the envelope is a heart that cares—not just about the season, but about the soul who receives it.

A wafer to taste, a novena to pray—both carry centuries of Catholic tradition and turn a simple Christmas greeting into a gift of faith.

Tuck faith-filled extras in safely. Anything that’s thick, rigid, or has raised edges can catch in postal machines—ripping your envelope, damaging the card, and even shredding neighboring mail.

When in doubt, add a non-machinable-surcharge stamp or slip the gift into a small padded envelope. A little extra care ensures every blessing arrives intact.

The sacred vessels used in the celebration of the Eucharist—chalices, ciboria, patens, and flagons—are far more than functional tools. They are treasures of the Church, crafted to hold the Body and Blood of Christ, and as such, deserve proper reverence and care.

Whether you're maintaining heirloom pieces or recently purchased liturgical vessels, understanding how to clean, handle, and store these items is key to their longevity. This guide offers practical advice for sacristans, clergy, and parish staff, while also highlighting the quality and expertise behind the church metalware we offer and service at F.C. Ziegler Co.

Understanding Sacred Vessel Materials & Finishes

Most church vessels are made from a brass base, which is then plated in 24kt gold or silver. Exteriors are typically coated in a clear lacquer to prevent tarnishing from fingerprints and air exposure, but interiors are left uncoated to meet liturgical requirements—allowing precious metals to be in direct contact with the Sacred Species.

This intentional design ensures sanctity but also increases the risk of wear if not cared for properly.

Some vessels are made from sterling silver, which resists the pitting that can develop in brass over time, but is still prone to tarnish and scratching.

Additionally, satin-finished cups (also known as brushed or sanded finishes) are more budget-friendly but tend to trap moisture and wine residue. In contrast, polished interiors are easier to clean and dry, making them a better long-term investment for parishes.

Daily Cleaning & Handling Tips

1. Never Submerge in Water

Even a brief soak can allow moisture to seep into joints, screw threads, or base areas, leading to long-term corrosion—especially in brass vessels. Always clean by hand using 100% cotton cloths.

2. Neutralize Wine Acidity

After Mass, gently wipe the interior with a soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water and baking soda (or a mild dish soap if needed). This neutralizes the acidity of wine, helping to prevent long-term damage to gold or silver plating. Swish water gently inside, then pour it into the sacrarium, not a standard drain.

3. Dry Gently

Use a dry 100% cotton towel to pat the interior and exterior dry. Avoid purificators or cloths with nylon, which can scratch metal surfaces.

4. Protect from Smudges

Handle vessels using cotton gloves, when possible, to prevent fingerprint oil buildup, especially on polished or lacquered surfaces.

Storage Best Practices

• Store vessels in flannel bags or wrapped in soft cloths to prevent tarnish.
• Do not stack metal-on-metal. Always separate pieces with a towel or protective layer.
• If tarnishing occurs, use a non-abrasive tarnish-removal cloth sparingly. Excessive rubbing can wear away the gold or silver plating.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The Problem with Brass Pitting

Brass vessels, while traditional and beautiful, can develop small black spots inside due to brass pitting—a reaction between wine acid and microscopic imperfections in the brass. Each cleaning slightly wears away the plated layer, and once wine seeps into these tiny openings, damage begins.

This is why it's critical to:

• Use only the gentlest materials
• Avoid abrasive polishing agents
• Maintain a consistent cleaning routine that neutralizes acidity without over-rubbing the metal

When Restoration Is Needed

Even with the best care, sacred vessels eventually show signs of wear. If your chalice or ciborium begins to tarnish, lose its finish, or show pitting, professional refinishing can restore it to full beauty and liturgical use.

At F.C. Ziegler Co., we don’t just manufacture our own line of durable, thick-plated sacred vessels—we also refinish items from other manufacturers, provided they meet structural requirements. Our expert metalworkers and refinishing specialists have restored thousands of pieces for churches across the country, from small rural parishes to cathedral-level collections.

Investing in Quality That Lasts

Not all liturgical metalware is created equal. At F.C. Ziegler Co., we build chalices, patens, and ciboria using thicker materials, designed to extend their usable life. We also silver plate prior to gold-plating for better adherence and to add an extra layer of protection for the Sacred Species. When properly cared for, our sacred vessels remain a beautiful and functional part of parish life for generations.

Whether you're shopping for a new chalice or need to restore a treasured heirloom, we’re here to support your ministry with the expertise, reverence, and craftsmanship that defines our 95+ year legacy.

Download a printable Sacred Vessel Care Sheet for your sacristy HERE.

Need Help?
Visit our Metalware Refinishing Page or Contact Us to get a quote or ask about care recommendations.