People who come to Xavier Center for retreats, workshops, spiritual direction, conferences, and parish-related events, find themselves drawn in to the atmosphere of the Pelican Shop.  Under the care of Jeannie Nicholls, the Shop caters to the specific, and individual needs of people of all different faiths and disciplines.  Her customers are:

• principals of schools who purchase their gifts for their teachers, staff, 
  and students;

• clergy and religious in parish and diocesan administration who buy items 
  for their co-workers, volunteers, friends and family;

• students from around the area who come here for books they cannot 
  find anywhere else;

• and, in general, people who are looking to enhance their own spiritual 
  journey and/or that of someone else either through the written word, 
  or through music and items of faith.

What is the significance of the Pelican?

The Pelican standing over her young in their nest and nourishing them with her blood is a symbol of Christ on the Cross from whose wounded side blood and water flowed.  It is also a symbol of Christ's feeding the faithful with His Body and blood in Holy Communion. The Sisters of Charity use this symbol to express the truth that Jesus is the Source and Model of their personal call to love and serve God and God's people.