We are in the process of updating our website and online store!
Store hours include Fridays 12pm-6pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm
creativity, sustainability, fair-trade
What is The Green Shepherdess?
The name and concept is inspired by the creative genius of the 12th century St. Hildegard of Bingen. Her charism is expressed in diverse and tangible ways here in Fairport Harbor, Ohio! The Green Shepherdess was opened in 2020 by Rick and Shanon Sterringer.
Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer has been a student of St. Hildegard of Bingen for over a decade culminating in several graduate and post-graduate degrees focused on her works. Having traveled to Bingen, Germany on several occasions for research and pilgrimage, Shanon felt a call to bring the charism of this 12th century creative genius to NE Ohio through ministry, writing, creative arts, and this unique gift-shop.
Hildegard of Bingen was holistic in her approach: mind, body, and spirit are equally important to one's overall health and wellbeing. Hildegard was a German, Benedictine Mystic, Healer, Preacher, Artist, Musician, and Abbess who understood a divine order to all of creation. Her work supports the idea that we express our love and admiration for this sacred presence when we co-create a "greener" world through art, writing, music, dance, liturgy, natural healing, and simply sharing the gift of ourselves with others.
Hildegard taught that we begin to feel "dry" or lacking in viriditas (greening power) when we are disconnected from the divine presence. When we engage in activities that foster creativity and relationship, we renew and restore viridity and become green again.
This gift store seeks to build and renew relationships. It is shopping with a mission! On the global level, The Green Shepherdess is dedicated to mission of promoting "fair-trade" and sustainable practices. We hand-select the products we sell with the intent on bettering the lives of those who produce the products. On the local level, it supports small artists, including metal artist, Rick Sterringer, co-owner of this shop.
In addition to two doctorates, Shanon holds a MA in Catholic Social Teaching and has been involved in a number of "fair-trade" programs over the last two decades focused on just wages, safe working conditions, and women's empowerment. She has travelled to a number of places where the products are being produced and she brings her personal experience/awareness to this effort. She is involved with ongoing education and attends fair-trade workshops and seminars in order to bring new and exciting products here to this store.
The Green Shepherdess is not simply a gift shop. It is an experience and an opportunity to make a difference in our world - locally and globally - with each purchase. For more information, please email gifts@thegreenshepherdess.com