Christmas favorites help monks and nuns win fans, pay the bills

As Christmas approaches, Catholic nuns and monks are busy preparing the traditional delicacies they sell to a loyal fan base even in rapidly secularizing countries. For many monastic communities, producing cookies, fruitcakes, even beer for sale, is the only means to keep the lights on. But it's also an enticing way to strengthen their ties with laypeople. The religious sisters and brothers say they have to keep the balance between their vocation to prayer and earning their daily bread. So they pray as they roll dough and mix sugar, cinnamon, or even bourbon — trusting in God's hands the lay people to whom they hope the treats will bring joy.