Invite Holylands: questions pastors ask

What does a weekend look like?

You choose the weekend, or we suggest a few dates. Ward Qumsieh is on site for Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses. After Mass there is a table of hand-carved olive-wood religious art from Catholic families in Bethlehem. We accept cash, card, and check. Bible study is optional and by request, but it is very popular. If you want it, Ward speaks and takes questions there.

What do you need from the parish?

A place after Mass for the olive-wood table, and a few minutes for Ward to be introduced. You choose the weekend. We bring the art. There is no cost to the parish.

Is there a cost to the parish?

No. The parish does not pay a fee or a percentage. The sale after Mass supports Christian families in Bethlehem and Shepherds’ Field so they can keep their workshops and stay in Palestine.

Do we need diocesan approval?

A bishop letter is available for all dioceses. We can send it to the pastor or the chancery.

Who comes?

Ward Qumsieh, a Christian born in Bethlehem, founder of Holylands Arts. He comes from a native Catholic and Orthodox background and represents the apostolic tradition of an ancient family whose ancestors have been in the Holy Land for a millennium. He represents more than 500 Catholic families in Bethlehem and Shepherds’ Field.

What is on the table?

Hand-carved olive-wood religious art: nativities, crosses, rosaries, Holy Family pieces, and other work from the same workshops. The wood is from pruning. No tree is cut down for it. We accept cash, card, and check.

Will Ward speak?

If the parish allows it, Ward speaks for a couple of minutes during the announcements. Bible study with questions is optional and by request, and it is very popular. After Mass he is at the table.

How do we invite you?

Write wardq@theholylands.org, call (314) 312-2033, or use the invite form on theholylands.org. Tell us the parish, the city, a contact, and a month that works.

Can we pick the dates?

Yes. You choose the weekend, or we suggest a few dates.

Can you send bulletin and pulpit copy?

Yes. Most parishes run it two weeks out. Copy is on the homepage, and we always email it as an attachment. We provide Spanish copy if requested.

Is there an online shop?

No. The work is at the parish table, and we also mail items to your doorstep.