Back in June of 1997 Fr. Bob Kraig, Pastor of St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, approached parish council and two church employees, Bobbie Hughes and Rita Salak, with a bold new idea: to open a religious goods store on the church property. His idea was to have a store that truly ministers to not only the people of the parish but to the community of Strongsville as well as to any who were seeking to deepen their faith. After discussion with Bobbie and Rita, Bobbie was chosen to manage the store and Rita the bookkeeping. Finally, after much prayerful reflection, Fr. Bob, Bobbie and Rita chose the new store's name, the biblical "Abba."

The store started small in a room attached to the priest's garage. "Actually, it was the old maintenance room," Fr. Bob stated. "After we added on to our church in 1996, we had an empty room and the idea of using it to reach out to the people with a religious store came about." Within a year the store expanded into additional space in the same building. Each year has allowed the store to expand its offerings which include a large selection of religious merchandise without seeming crowded. In addition to many religious books for both adults and children - including, of course, Catholic Bibles - the store stocks all-occasion cards, rosaries, medals, instructional books, and prayer books, as well as statues of Jesus, Mary, and various saints. Modern day Christian pictures are also available, as well as many books on how to teach your children about the faith.

Many customers come in to purchase something for themselves, a friend, or family members facing a difficult situation in their life. "This is when the ministry part takes place," says Bobbie. "We often end up talking with the customer and after learning their needs, we can suggest appropriate books or other items to comfort them. We also have a Prayer Petition Book in the store where customers can indicate their special prayer requests. Our church prayer group then prays in front of the Blessed Sacrament for their special petitions to be granted."

Father Bob is quick to add that through the praying ministry and the intercession of their patron saint, Saint John Neumann, that many miracles have occurred. "The power of prayer and the intercession of Saint John Neumann in unbelievable," Father Bob states.

All are encouraged to stop in to Abba Religious Store and meet the friendly staff.

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