Today is known as Cyber Monday, the online alternative to the hordes of shoppers that pack the malls on Black Friday. If you would like to give your online shopping a Catholic twist and support religious vocations at the same time, consider purchasing some of the many products available from religious communities.

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles are a traditional community of monastic sisters. Enjoy the angelic voices of the sisters as they sing songs of the Advent and Christmas seasons on their newest recording, Christmas at Ephesus. Echoes at Ephesus, their first musical recording. is also highly recommended. The good sisters are working to build a permanent Priory so your purchases will support their efforts.

Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey is a cloistered community of Trappistine nuns of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. These monastic nuns spend their day in prayer, holy reading, and work. Their main source of income is their candy business, Trappistine Creamy caramels. Their sweet offerings have expanded to include mints, beltways, truffles, and caramel sauce in addition to their soft chewy caramels.

On the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, the Holy Transfiguration Skete of the Society of St. John is a Byzantine rite Catholic monastery. The monks live a common life of prayer and work. They offer a selection of baked goods, candies, and fruit preserves. If you are looking for a gift that is delicious and unique, consider the thimbleberry jam. Thimbleberries grow wild in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and are somewhat reminiscent of a blackberry.

The Dominican Nuns of Summit, New Jersey are a cloistered monastic community whose primary mission is to pray for the salvation of souls and to support the preaching mission of the Dominican friars. Their work at the monastery is a reflection of the Blessed Virgin Mary's hidden life at Nazareth. They do simple things like cooking, cleaning, sewing, and gardening. They also make and sell fabulous soaps and creams from natural ingredients like cocoa and mango butter and sweet almond oil.  Through these sales they are renovating and expanding their existing monastery. You must order by December 17, 2009 to have your order shipped before Christmas.

Finally, support the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming with your purchase of Mystic Monk coffee. Jingle Bell Java is only available for a limited time and is flavored with white chocolate and bourbon. This coffee tastes best when made strong and black. Mystic Monk Blend is the perfect coffee to begin every day. Midnight Vigils Blend is a Fair Trade Organic Dark roast that is smooth and delicious. This is the perfect coffee to make sure you are wide awake for Midnight Mass or to keep students' awake while studying for finals. 

Feel free to add your own recommendations for religious community products in the comments. (For the benefit of the FTC, I received no compensation for these endorsements.)