Karen
While still teaching at Missouri State University, Karen opened Anna Sophia's, a Catholic Christian book and gift store. After retiring from MSU in December, 2006, she moved the store to a larger, more visible location and devotes all of her time to that vocation.
Anna Sophia's offers a complete line of books and gifts for both Catholics and ‘liturgical’ Protestants. Books are from both Catholic and non-Catholic authors. Gifts cover the sacraments, such as Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, etc., as well as everyday celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Everything from greeting cards, jewelry, statues, and art to St. Joseph home-selling kits can be found at Anna Sophia’s.
In addition to religious books and gifts, Anna Sophia’s also carries a large inventory of international fair trade merchandise, which are products that come from developing areas of the world. Anna Sophia’s works with several organizations that make sure the people who make the products get paid a fair price. They also make certain there is equal opportunity for women, no child exploitation, respect for cultural identity, and concern for the environment. For more information about fair trade, check out the following web sites:
http://www.fairtraderesource.org/
http://www.fairtradefederation.org/
Karen has been a part of the Rivendell Community since 2001, when she made her first promises on Holy Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church. After much prayer and reflection, she changed her status to Associate in 2006.
“The Rivendell Community has provided balance and structure to my life since 2001,” she says. “The Rule has been described by many to be a ‘container’ within which we conduct our lives. And though, as an Associate, I am no longer bound by the specifics of the Rule in the same way professed members are, the general precepts of prayer and hospitality still help formulate the way I live.”
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Karen at Anna Sophia's |