"Where the North American St. Nicholas Revolution Began"
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
VISION
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
"Christmas" Personal Testimonials
"I liked the fact that there were no hidden fees "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, "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 
Contact
Fr. Joseph Marquis, Executive Director St. Nicholas Institute phone: (313) 282-4327 |
