Assistance and outreach

To support its objectives and lower operational expenses, the coffee shop is primarily manned by community volunteers. Scaccio anticipates that approximately 15 individuals contribute their assistance weekly, taking on various tasks from barista responsibilities to laundry to aiding with social gatherings. Among the consistent volunteers, there is a diverse age demographic, featuring a number of retirees, around 10 young adults, and a significant group of high school students, several of whom, according to Scaccio, are sufficiently skilled to operate the shop in her absence.

“It’s an enjoyable method to volunteer and assist others,” remarked Conrad Tuistra, a high school student who has been volunteering at St. James for around two years. One of his favorite moments there, he noted, occurred this past winter when he and Scaccio were singing carols in the shop just before Christmas and were soon joined by his grandparents, along with another customer.

“That was truly lovely,” he remarked.

Wonderful individuals, excellent coffee

In business for slightly more than a decade, the café rests modestly in a retail center close to U.S. Route 63 in the northern section of Rochester. The menu features signature beverages like “Divine Mercy Raspberry,” “St. Dominic’s Black and White,” and “Turt-ullian Turtle” in addition to classic options such as espresso, mochas, and cappuccinos (though ingeniously titled “Capuchin-O”). Icons and sculptures preside over the fireplace mantle.

Displayed prominently on a notice board, the wall reads: “Great People. Good Coffee. We welcome inquiries and conversations about faith.” This message effectively summarizes the atmosphere that Scaccio aims to foster at the café, which visitors report experiencing: a gathering spot featuring a varied mix of individuals, ranging from regular Mass-attending Catholics to committed atheists, enthusiastic about exchanging life experiences and exploring thoughts and the more refined aspects of existence.

“This isn’t solely a venue for Catholics; it’s a space for everyone,” Scaccio stated. “In fact, some of my top patrons are atheists.”

In the midst of those you might not initially anticipate seeing at a Catholic shop is Brandon Hendrickson. A science teacher, Hendrickson is one of St. James’ most frequent patrons and is openly agnostic.

“I arrived there without even being aware it was a faith-based coffee shop, conveying a message,” Hendrickson stated. Hendrickson was brought up Protestant, possesses some knowledge of Christian intellectual history, and appreciates deep conversations of various kinds.

“The reason it’s so fantastic, for all involved,” he remarked, “aside from my passion for the history of Christian theology and my geeky allusions to Tertullian, is that it possesses this ethical foundation, which enables individuals to connect with each other. Thus, it naturally transforms into a more welcoming environment, even for those who do not belong to that tradition or community.”

He has been visiting the coffee shop for approximately two years, having stumbled upon it unexpectedly just after he and his family relocated to the region. The ambiance there soon captivated him.

“The presumption isn’t that all individuals are unfamiliar with one another, and perhaps they hold extreme differences in opinions,” he clarified, “but instead that individuals enjoy each other’s company and are acquainted. And that attitude spreads.”

Hendrickson believes that he has forged five strong friendships via the shop and has also encountered numerous friendly acquaintances.

Another regular visitor reflecting Hendrickson’s thoughts was Alex Peters, who was raised in the Rochester vicinity and is currently in his second year of seminary in the nearby town of Winona.

“I’ll dedicate about 6-7 hours there whenever I have the opportunity,” stated Peters. “It’s a location where I can work, but also interact with others.”

A dialogue regarding belief

“You can engage in discussions with others,” he mentioned, “or if you have inquiries, you can proceed to ask them. The atmosphere is quite relaxed, making it perfect for casual reading, and in addition to that, they also feature their chapel, which contains the Blessed Sacrament in it.”

As per Scaccio, such an atmosphere is inherently integrated into St. James — in a very literal sense.

“It is intended to prompt inquiries,” stated Scaccio. “Therefore, there is an exquisite crucifix positioned above the fireplace, along with a few statues up there. We also have sizable images of saints on the wall without any descriptions, compelling visitors to inquire about their identities.”

She additionally mentioned that the titles of the beverages are connected to this method of promoting through the shop itself. “When customers request them, they often say, ‘What does that mean?’ And I respond, ‘Oh, that’s a religious term, it’s a pun.’ Then, they have the option to continue inquiring about it, or they can decide to research it on their own.”

The faith concept

An ambiance like that was integral to the vision of St. James when it was launched in July 2012. The initiative was led by Father Matt Fasnacht, a clergyman from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Although Father Fasnacht is no longer associated with the shop, Scaccio recounted his narrative.

“[He] came up with this concept because he has a great passion for coffee, and he deeply loves Jesus,” Scaccio clarified. “He believed it would be quite wonderful to merge the two, and to establish a place where it didn’t feel as daunting as a traditional church, encouraging people to come in and meet Christ in a more approachable setting.” Father Fasnacht soon after delegated leadership duties to the board of directors, and the café began to thrive from that point onward.

That atmosphere persists to this day. Jim Welper, another frequent visitor at St. James, is semi-retired and mentions that the coffee shop has turned into a cornerstone of his social interactions. “You walk in and everyone recognizes you,” he remarked. “It’s amicable, it’s inviting to all.”