At Johnson City religious store, owner, customers grow in faith together
It was five years ago that Michele Pasquale saw an opportunity to take over a small business.
Her reason: “To become stronger in my faith,” Pasquale said.
”And to help other people learn about theirs,“ she added, “I hope I’ve done that.”
Pasquale owns and operates the Ave Maria Catholic shop on Harry L Drive in Johnson City. She bought it from a relative who ran the store for 10 years, but was selling because of family obligations.
That’s the same time Pasquale’s youngest was getting ready to graduate high school. She took over and soon realized the shop wasn’t only a place that sells religious goods.
One of the first customers who came in had a question: how to become Catholic?
“We talked about the rosary, we talked about the sacraments,” Pasquale said. “I’m no expert. I just shared some of my knowledge.”
Pasquale began to learn from her customers, including clergy and lay people, ”really very faith-filled, devout Catholics that come into the store.”
There are a lot of items there for people to purchase. Greeting cards and books, including bibles. Dozens of holy cards with saints on them. Religious themed tote bags, coffee mugs, and coffee. The store also has candles for devotion and homemade rosary beads. Statues too.
But it’s the connection among customers that Pasquale finds “remarkable.” She said they start talking and help each other.
“Someone might have a problem with a family member, they’ve gone away from the faith,” Pasquale said. “I’ve had customers (say) ’I had the same thing and let me tell you what I did.’ You just watch everybody grow in their faith.”
One time, Pasquale said, two customers came in at the same time, one “struggling with cancer.” She said the other was able to help the first connect with local treatment.
“It was a godsend for this person that needed these treatments;” she said, “I’ve just met so many wonderful people here.”
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“What most people say when they come in here is they find it very peaceful. They find it very relaxing,” Pasquale added, “the Blessed Mother is here. They feel at home. “
People do shop at Ave Maria too. Among the biggest sellers, crucifixes for homes. Another popular item is St. Joseph statues. People buy them as they’re trying to sell a house. Pasquale said with prayer, some have said it works.
She said many people also buy St. Christopher visor clips for the inside of cars.
“A lot of grandparents come in when their grandkids start driving," Pasquale said. “They’re the biggest customers, they’re the most popular.”
Pasquale notes that while the shop is primarily geared toward items for Catholics, anyone is welcome.
“I would respect their beliefs as I would hope they would respect mine.” she said.
Prayer has become important at Ave Maria.
“I’ve got a lot of people that come in and we pray for each other. We have prayer list.”
About a dozen people gather at the shop to pray the rosary each Monday night at 5:30.
Pasquale enjoys her work at the shop.
“I was blessed to be able to buy the store and I feel blessed everyday that I come in to do this,” Pasquale said.
More about Michele Pasquale
Position: Owner, Ave Maria Catholic Shop
Church: St. Patrick’s, Binghamton
Family: Married, two children
Hometown: Southside Binghamton
Home: Endicott
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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Johnson City religious store fosters faith, community
