A simple postage stamp can carry more than a message—it can transform lives. At Saint Mary’s, the Stamp Ministry spreads hope by turning donated stamps into support for the ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
For more than 60 years, sisters have collected, trimmed and sorted donated stamps from around the world. What began as a modest fundraising effort has grown into a thriving ministry supported by sisters, volunteers and collectors who recognize the value hidden in every stamp.
Sister Marjorie Ann Manning, CSC, finds working in the Stamp Room engaging: “You always see different things. It’s educational as well as a ministry.”
Understanding the Value of a Stamp
For many, a stamp’s purpose is fulfilled the moment their letter reaches its destination. But for millions of collectors around the world, those small pieces of paper hold history, beauty and sentimental value. Each stamp tells a story—capturing historical moments, cultural traditions, notable figures, scenes from nature and more.
“You could bring in 40 people, and they’d have 40 different ways of collecting,” explained volunteer and stamp collector Dale Gregory. “You could have a whole page of stamps from a collection and could be missing one stamp. The hunt is part of the collecting.”
As members of NIPS, collectors Phil Rhoade and Gregory volunteer their expertise by evaluating stamps donated to the sisters and selling them at auctions. “Because we’re knowledgeable stamp collectors, we can process these donations when they come in and try to maximize the financial return,” Rhoade said.
Phil Rhoade uses his expertise to identify valuable stamps.
Dale Gregory displays a stamp collection, one of the many donated to support the sisters’ ministries.
Raising Funds with Postage Stamps
All proceeds raised from the sale of these stamps provide essential resources for Holy Cross sisters’ global outreach efforts. These ministries include education, health care, faith formation, prison outreach, trauma counseling, and support for vulnerable communities.
For sisters, the Stamp Ministry is both communal and prayerful. Many can be found trimming stamps in common rooms or quietly in their own spaces. Some take boxes of stamps to their rooms, while others gather to work side by side, sharing stories and laughter.
Sister M. Carlita (Hammes), CSC, and volunteer Paulette Kluge trim donated stamps while sharing conversation and companionship.
“It’s a great joy to see stamps from different countries because that is where our community is right now—working in an international way,” said Sister Nancy Pewterbaugh, CSC. “We have novices entering from different countries, and here we are with their stamps in front of us. It broadens your perspective of the world and that we’re all in this together.”
Others delight in the memories stamps evoke. “Trimming such a variety of stamps depicting famous people, places and events keeps me intrigued,” shared Sister Doreen Marie Vignassa, CSC. “I’m deeply grateful for God’s gifts of nature and colors—so many stamps dazzle my eyes.”
The Stamp Ministry also offers a meaningful way for sisters at Saint Mary’s to remain actively engaged in mission. “The Stamp Ministry allows our retired sisters a ministry to make a difference,” said Sister Karla McKinnie, CSC. “It is a way of uniting everyone in one mission.”
For Sister Joan Carusillo, CSC, trimming stamps while watching the evening news offers a meaningful sense of connection. “Most of all,” she reflected, “I realize I am contributing in a small way to the funding of our ministries.”
Curious about the Stamp Ministry?
Learn how you can donate used stamps to help spread hope!
Share in the Mission
The Stamp Ministry reminds us that no contribution is too small. A single stamp—patiently trimmed and thoughtfully sorted—can help fund education, healing and hope.
“For those who do not want to have idle hands, it is a good way to serve while watching TV, listening to music, praying, or even visiting with someone,” Sister Karla said.
“Since the money acquired from stamp sales boosts our missions,” added Sister Doreen Marie, “people are given the chance to share our ministry even if they do not have money to donate.”