St Nicholas Institute, Santa School Michigan, Santa Claus Training, Santa Claus School

"Where the North American St. Nicholas Revolution Began"


About

Fr. Joseph Marquis Donate & Sponsor Press Coverage St Nicholas: A Ho-Ho-Holy Life Resources for Santas

Welcome to the Saint Nicholas Institute!

The Saint Nicholas Institute is dedicated to promoting the ideals and encouraging the example of Saint Nicholas and his modern interpretation, Santa Claus. Founded by Father Joseph Marquis the Institute conducts an annual seminar teaching Santas and Mrs. Clauses how to be Ho-Ho-Holy!, as well as providing resources for Santas and Mrs. Clauses to improve their ministry and grow in ho-ho-holiness! In addition, the Institute seeks to educate the public about Saint Nicholas through information about the Bishop of Myra.

The Institute welcomes donations and sponsorship, all of which help promote the spirit of the man who was Ho-Ho-Holy!


Click here for the 2023 Retreat & Seminar Schedule Outline!


-Founded: December 6th, 2011-

Mission Vision Core Values

MISSION STATEMENT


The St. Nicholas Institute encourages openness to the Self-same Holy Spirit who animated the life of the historic person of St. Nicholas of Myra; the original "Santa Claus.”

VISION


1. Serving the spiritual and professional needs of faith-based “men and women in red”.

2. Present historical, theological and archaeological facts about St. Nicholas of Myra; the REAL-Life person who is universally revered and loved as Santa Claus.

3. Host the annual St. Nicholas Institute Awards Gala, honoring outstanding people representing a wide variety of backgrounds, who embody the Christmas Spirit every day of the year according to their state in life.

CORE VALUES

Nicholas as Our Model 
Inspired by the selfless life of St. Nicholas of Myra, and the noble traditions associated with him, we seek to affirm the dignity of all persons as unique, unrepeatable gifts from God as we embody the joy and peace that flows from the Babe born in Bethlehem. 

Openness to the "Christmas Spirit"
Since the "Christmas Spirit" and the Holy Spirit are one in the same, we continually pray that we may be open to the very Selfsame Source that animated the life of the original "Santa Claus"; St. Nicholas. 

Exercising Compassion 
As spiritual successors of St. Nicholas, we exercise a special compassion for: the poor (material or spiritual poverty), the orphaned, the sick, the marginalized and the forgotten. 

Love for Children 
Whether dressed in the guise of the benevolent bishop from Myra or a fur clad "elf", we will treat each and every child (and "the young at heart") with the same integrity, sensitivity and unconditional love that characterize "jolly old St. Nicholas".

Living the Above Core Values Literally Says… 


"Christmas"


Personal Testimonials

"I liked the fact that there were no hidden fees
and the one price covered everything;
from books and handouts
to a private room, meals, and
an over-the-top Santa Claus Banquet.
Wow!!"
- Santa Patrick deHaan, Glendale, AZ

"The retreat was one of the best experiences of my life! ...I am a new Santa and was very unsure of why I was doing this, and lacked confidence in myself. The advice, enthusiasm and encouragement from the instructors and other participants hit me at one instant and I came away a new person. I know God was working through all of them to assure me that this is what he wanted me to do to spread His Love." - Santa Larry Schuler, Jasper, IN

"Speaking personally as a Mrs. Claus, I think every Mrs. Claus should attend the St. Nicholas Institute." - Mrs. Claus Terri Bloomberg, Blanchard, OK

"On a scale from 1 to 10, I give a "10" as that is as high as the scale will allow. Father, you have a created a place here that allows us to take time and get in touch with ourselves and more importantly in touch with God. It truly has helped me better understand the importance of who I am portraying each season and the power this figure has on the hearts and minds of young and old." - Santa Jerry Owens, New Albany, IN

"I found Fr. Joseph Marquis' Saint Nicholas Institute to be a wonderful experience that will provide a little different perspective than most of the other schools.

"The [St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center] facility is absolutely wonderful!! The rooms were comfortable, food selection, quality, and amount was excellent, staff and volunteers were more than accommodating, going out of their way to make the SNI students and staff feel comfortable and at home, and provided plenty of space to both socialize or enjoy the quiet opportunities to meditate and pray. Awesome!!

"The tuition for Saint Nicholas Institute is without a doubt the best value available in the Santa Claus school market. When you consider the quality of what you are provided and the faculty teaching, there clearly is no competition. I liked the fact that there were no hidden fees and the one price covered everything from books and handouts to a private room, meals, and an over-the-top Santa Claus Banquet. Wow!!" - Santa Patrick deHaan, Glendale, AZ

"The St. Nicholas Institute provides an understanding of Santa's origin in a town called Myra in present day Turkey. The Christian focus and tenor of SNI is different , and that difference leads those portraying Santa to some needed introspection - and prayer - in a setting that helps keep the 'noise' of the outside world at bay for 48 -72 hours or so." - Santa A. Michael Deller, Livonia, MI

"By perpetuating an accurate history of St. Nicholas, we are also telling a story of how Christ is instilled in a person; that it drives him to do what is not always the popular choice, but the correct one." - Santa John Bloomberg, Blanchard, OK

"On a scale from 1 to 10,
I give the St. Nicholas Institute an '11'."
- Santa Dennis R. Sedlak, Aurora, OH

"An experience in relevant and refreshing content in a tranquil, faith based forum. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience." - Santa Dennis Blanden, Grove City, OH

"What stood out most about the entire Institute experience was Fr. Joseph... his knowledge, experience and religious beliefs. As a result of attending the St. Nicholas Institute, I had received a life changing experience." - Santa Bill Sandeen, Las Vegas, NV

"The St. Nicholas Institute is a 'must attend' for anyone portraying the role of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, or Mrs. Claus, who wants to really understand and convey the Spirit of Christmas in their role." - Santa Robert Meyer, Keller, TX

"The Awards Banquet was fantastic! It was really a first class event, through and through. The decorations, the food, the atmosphere, the entertainment, the speakers, and the awards were all great! I was especially moved to see so many people in attendance, who were there to support the St. Nicholas Institute. The St. Nicholas Institute is a 'must attend' for anyone portraying the role of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, or Mrs. Claus, who wants to really understand and convey the Spirit of Christmas in their role." - Santa Robert Meyer, Keller, TX

"[The Awards Banquet was]... Wonderful! I felt like I was at the Emmys!" - Santa Michael Rielly, Bristol, RI

"It never ceases to amaze me the way Fr. Joseph can constantly improve something that is already excellent! ...The retreat center is amazing; so peaceful... it has a holiness to it. Can't imagine the St. Nicholas Institute anywhere else. On a scale from 1 to 10, I give the St. Nicholas Institute an '11'." - Santa Dennis R. Sedlak, Aurora, OH


About

Fr. Joseph Marquis Donate & Sponsor Press Coverage St Nicholas: A Ho-Ho-Holy Life Resources for Santas

Contact

St. Nicholas Institute, Fr Joseph Marquis

Fr. Joseph Marquis, Executive Director

St. Nicholas Institute
29125 West Six Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152

phone: (313) 282-4327
e-mail: FatherJosMarquis@currently.com


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