Catholics and coffee, Buddhists and tea: What's the connection between religion and these favourite beverages?

What’s the relationship between coffee and religion? That question occurred to me this summer when I was an instructor at a week-long event for aspiring Catholic journalists in Toronto. Whenever journalists gather, there will be conversation — and coffee. Lots of coffee. 

In that case, it was Catholic coffee. 

“Catholic coffee?” you ask. “What is that?” 

Catholic Coffee is the name of a small family business in Charlotte, N.C. Its goal is to use a daily habit of drinking coffee, especially in the morning, to focus attention on God through devotion and prayer. For decades, peacekeeping has been part of Canada’s identity — internationally and at home. 

Read more about Catholic coffee, and its tie to religion and ritual, with a bonus look at spirituality and tea, in my most recent column.