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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about monk-roasted Catholic coffee, Lenten fasting, parish fundraising, and more.
☕ Coffee & Product
Who roasts Sanctus Coffee?
Every bag of Sanctus Coffee is hand-roasted by Benedictine monks in small batches of 20–40 pounds. Roasting is treated as an act of devotion — the monks pray before each batch, following the ancient Rule of St. Benedict's principle of Ora et Labora (prayer and work).
What is specialty grade coffee — and is Sanctus Coffee specialty grade?
Specialty Grade is the highest quality classification in the coffee industry, awarded by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to beans scoring 80 or above on a 100-point scale evaluated by certified Q Graders. Less than 10% of all coffee produced worldwide qualifies. Yes — Sanctus Coffee exclusively sources Specialty Grade Arabica beans from single-origin farms in Brazil and Central America.
What are the differences between your three roasts?
St. Benedict is a Dark French Roast — bold, full-bodied, with notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and oak. Best for French press and espresso lovers. St. Joseph is a Medium-Dark Roast — smooth, balanced, with gentle cocoa and warm nuttiness. The perfect everyday cup. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Medium Roast — bright, floral, and clean, with citrus sweetness. Ideal for pour-over and afternoon brewing.
Should I buy whole bean or pre-ground coffee?
Whole bean if you own a grinder. Once ground, coffee begins losing freshness within 30 minutes as surface area increases 10,000x, accelerating oxidation. Whole bean stays at peak freshness for 14–30 days after roasting. Pre-ground works fine for auto-drip machines, travel, or gifting — and we offer both options for every roast.
How much does Sanctus Coffee cost?
Each 12 oz bag is $17.95. Subscribe & Save brings it to $16.15/bag (10% off) with free shipping on orders over $50. Every purchase includes $2 toward Catholic missions.
Where does the $2 per bag go?
Two dollars from every bag sold through our parish fundraiser program goes directly to the partnered Catholic institution — parish restoration funds, school scholarship programs, monastery repairs, or convent needs. The mission is chosen by whoever shared the link or QR code that brought you to the store.
✝️ Fasting & Faith
Can you drink coffee while fasting during Lent?
Yes — black coffee does not break a Lenten fast. Canon Law (Canon 1251) defines fasting in terms of meals, not liquids. Water, black coffee, and plain tea have traditionally been permitted during penitential fasting. However, coffee with cream, milk, or sugar counts toward your smaller-meal allowance. For the Eucharistic fast (one hour before receiving Communion), only water and medicine are permitted — coffee is not allowed during that one-hour window.
Can Catholic monks drink coffee?
Yes, and historically monasteries were among the first European institutions to adopt coffee — it replaced beer as the morning beverage because monks rising at 3–4 AM for Matins needed alertness for prayer. Pope Clement VIII famously tasted and blessed coffee in the 1600s after critics called it 'the devil's drink.' The cappuccino itself is named after Capuchin monks.
⛪ Parish Fundraising
How does the parish coffee fundraiser program work?
It's simple and free. Your parish, school, monastery, or convent applies as a Sanctus Mission partner. We generate a unique QR code linked to your institution. Every time someone scans that QR code and orders coffee, your institution earns $2 per bag — automatically, with monthly payouts. We ship a free starter kit including sample bags of all three roasts, each printed with your QR code, along with bulletin inserts and display materials.
Is there a cost to join the parish fundraiser program?
No upfront cost. No minimum orders. No monthly fees. We ship your starter kit for free. You earn $2 per bag on every order placed through your QR code. Most partners are live within 5–7 business days of applying.
How much can a parish realistically raise selling coffee?
A parish with 50 subscribing families earns approximately $100/month — $1,800/year on autopilot. 100 subscribing families = $2,400/year. 200 families = $7,200/year. Our monastery partners average $18,600/year. The key is that it's recurring: unlike a bake sale, coffee is a consumable that people reorder every month.
Can Catholic schools use this for fundraising instead of bake sales or candy drives?
Yes — and many do. Catholic school families love replacing traditional fundraisers with specialty coffee that actually aligns with their values. Parents receive the QR code, share with family and friends, and every order earns for the school. No inventory to manage, no delivery logistics, no volunteer hours. We handle everything.
📦 Shipping & Orders
Where does Sanctus Coffee ship?
We ship to all 48 contiguous US states. Flat rate shipping of $6.95 per order, with free shipping on orders over $50. Estimated delivery is 3–5 business days.
Is there a subscription option?
Yes. Subscribe & Save gives you 10% off every bag ($16.15 vs. $17.95) with monthly automatic delivery. Free shipping on orders over $50. You can pause, change frequency, or cancel at any time — no penalties.
Start a parish fundraiser
Free starter kit. $2 per bag to your institution. No effort required.
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