Carol and Jim in front of St. Nicholas mosaic at San Marco, Venice, Italy

Carol Myers and Jim Rosenthal met on the Internet—discovering that each had a deep interest, some might say obsession, with St. Nicholas. In the summer of 2000 they met in person in Canterbury, England. Carol's husband, David, innocently asked what was to become of the extensive collections of St. Nicholas artifacts and memorabilia which each had amassed. Thus the idea for St. Nicholas Center was born.

They share a commitment to recovering St. Nicholas in the life of the church and beyond. Carol developed www.stnicholascenter.org in response to Jim's encouragement, even challenge, to do so.

Carol brings experience with children, Christian education, and a committment to providing a wide range of resources for teachers, families, and churches to use in helping all ages understand St. Nicholas. She is also interested in folk customs that have grown up alongside religious tradition in so many different countries. Her capacity for sustained focus and dogged attention to research and detail have made the site possible.

Enesco ornament on eBay that caused Jim to contact Carol

www.stnicholascenter.org has grown beyond our wildest expectations in both content and activity. Each year we have over a million visits from folks in at least 155 countries. The site generates voluminous correspondence and Carol strives to reply to all inquiries and comments.

As a saint, Nicholas is a pattern for faithful living. As a cultural icon, he reaches beyond the church into the culture. Discovering the truth about Santa Claus—a person of faith whose love for God led to concern for the needy and vulnerable—can assist those searching for more meaning in the often stressful and frantic holiday seasons. St. Nicholas helps us all to focus beyond ourselves.

Enjoy StNicholasCenter.org—and do join us in spreading the word about St. Nicholas. Thank you!