Whether it’s coffee or tea, think of what’s holy

When journalists gather, conversation and coffee are sure to follow. At a week-long event for aspiring Catholic journalists in Toronto, the focus was on a unique twist on this tradition: Catholic coffee. This small family business in Charlotte, N.C., aims to bring spirituality to the daily ritual of coffee consumption by offering "saint-inspired blends." Each blend honors a Catholic saint and comes with a story and prayer.

Michael's Coffee, the company behind Catholic Coffee, sources its beans through Catholic social teaching principles. A portion of profits goes to support Catholic chaplaincy in the U.S. armed forces. Their 18 different roasts, including the All-Saints variety pack, cater to a wide range of tastes and spiritual inclinations. The company has found that coffee drinkers are often disconnected from their spiritual lives, so they seek to "sanctify the first moments of the day."

While Catholic coffee is a unique offering, it's not the only religiously-inspired beverage. A survey revealed 31 Christian-branded coffee companies, such as Coffee 4 Missions, The Holy Roast, and Reformed Roasters. These brands claim to be infused with Christian faith, often emphasizing themes of gratitude, love, and unity.

Tea, another beverage with religious connections, also plays a role in spirituality. Buddhist monks have long consumed tea to stay alert during meditation, leading to its promotion within Buddhist communities. In ancient monasteries, tea gardens were maintained, and tea was seen as a symbol of hospitality, respect, and love.