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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?
Sanctus Coffee is currently available as Whole Bean only. Grinding immediately before brewing preserves aroma and freshness and lets you choose the proper grind for your preferred brewing method.
How much does Sanctus Coffee cost?
Each 12 oz bag is $17.95. Subscribe & Save brings eligible subscription bags to $16.15, and orders over $50 qualify for free shipping. Every Sanctus Coffee purchase helps sustain our monastery partnership and grow the Sanctus Mission Apostolate. When a purchase is made through a verified Sanctus Mission fundraiser link or QR code, $2 per eligible bag is additionally credited to that participating institution.
Where does the $2 per bag go?
The $2 fundraiser contribution applies only to eligible coffee purchased through a verified Sanctus Mission fundraiser link or QR code. That amount is credited to the attributed parish, school, monastery, or convent. Regular SanctusCoffee.com purchases still support our monastery partnership and the growth of the Sanctus Mission Apostolate, but they do not carry an automatic fixed $2 allocation to a specific fundraiser institution.
✝️ 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 to join. Your parish, school, monastery, or convent applies as a Sanctus Mission partner. Once reviewed and approved, your institution receives a verified fundraiser link and unique QR code to share with supporters. Each eligible coffee bag purchased through that verified link earns your institution $2, with monthly payouts. Sanctus handles customer ordering, payment, and fulfillment.
Is there a cost to join the parish fundraiser program?
There is no upfront inventory purchase or monthly program fee. Approved partners share their verified fundraiser link or QR code, while Sanctus handles customer ordering and fulfillment.
How much can a parish realistically raise selling coffee?
Assuming one eligible bag per participating family per month: 50 families × $2 × 12 months = $1,200/year. 100 families × $2 × 12 months = $2,400/year. 200 families × $2 × 12 months = $4,800/year. Coffee is a consumable that families reorder naturally, providing recurring support without inventory management.
Can Catholic schools use this for fundraising instead of bake sales or candy drives?
Yes. Approved Catholic schools can use the Sanctus Mission coffee fundraiser program. Supporters purchase through the school’s verified link or QR code, and the school receives $2 per eligible bag. Sanctus handles customer ordering and fulfillment, so the school does not need to purchase or distribute inventory.
📦 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 eligible bags ($16.15 vs. $17.95) with automatic delivery scheduled every two weeks or monthly. Free shipping applies to orders over $50. You can pause or cancel at any time.
Start a parish fundraiser
No upfront inventory. $2 per eligible bag purchased through your verified fundraiser link. Sanctus handles fulfillment.
Learn How It Works