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St. Ann
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How would you convince a dh, that holy water is a good thing to use regularly and not something silly or overly pious?
Dh is totally true to the Church and her teachings, but there are certain practices available which he sees as ...hmmmm?......superstitious! He is an intellectual type who is very allergic to kitsch and such...
sooooooooooo...I am having a hard time convincing him that we should have a Holy Water Font and also a small House Altar.
In Church, he crosses himself with holy water, and at home he blesses the girls with the sign of the cross on their foreheads regularly. We have old prints of sacred drawings out of ancient prayer books hanging on our walls and several pictures of Pope Benedict XVI.
But if I would mention Holy Water distribution at home, he would roll his eyes impatiently and get very gruff!
How can I convince him that there is no magical superstition behind it?
I really don't know.
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Stephanie
Wife and mother to Hannah '96, Maria '99, Dorothea '01, Helena '03
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Joann in AL
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I try to remember to keep holy water on hand all the time. For blessing children, house, cats that are supposed to stay outside, dying houseplants (usually they are too far gone for even holy water, thus proving that there is no magic about it  - although the St Rita oil might work  )
And I try to remember that before the bottle runs dry, if I just fill it up, the "new" water mixes with the old and it is all blessed then.
I also (try to rememeber to) keep it in a spray bottle. Nothing like a little spritz on the head of a couple of disgruntled siblings to bring astonishment, laughter and a peaceful resolution quickly.
And a tongue-in-cheek answer to Stephanie in Germany, I'd just spritz dh until he stopped rolling his eyes.
I reread this post and hope that it doesn't come across as very irreverent. 
There is also a tradition of having candles blessed on Candlemas (Feb 2 - the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord - New Advent Candlemas article ). This is not done everywhere anymore, but one can always ask a priest to bless anything. We use blessed candles for special occasions, we burn them on days when we are having difficulty with our schoolwork, I'd like to try to remember to light them next time we say a novena. Not as something superstitious, but as a reminder of the Light of the World and the source of Light in our lives.
All the sacramentals are meant to remind of the sacraments. So, the thing I would really do, Stephanie, is talk to dh about how Holy Water is supposed to remind of our Baptism, of dying to sin and as a way of reminding us to be humble before the Lord. (Then I'd spritz him with it ) That blessed salt reminds us to be salt of the earth. That the medals we wear remind us of the saints and of our ultimate end and destination, of our membership in the communion of saints and our obligation to pray for and with those who have gone before us.
Keeping in mind what the sacramentals are supposed to lead us back to (the Sacraments) is what keeps them from becoming just some mumbo-jumbo silliness that little old ladies use to intimidate their fallen away families. 
Joann
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Theresa
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Steph, keep it a matter of prayer before the Lord and ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal to him your desires for using it rather than you doing it yourself.
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Theresa
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KC in TX
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Okay, here are some questions.
What is a collect?
When you offer up your suffering to God what exactly does that mean? Can you give me a visual? I am a real visual learner.
What is the morning office? Is that like the morning offering?
__________________
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wife to Ben (10/94),
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Erin
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Alice
You did say it could be a bigger question, I'll ask two
Last week I had a delightful visit with my little sister 15 and a brother 19 visiting. They asked me two questions that stumped me. I mean I gave it my best but I didn't feel I really knew.
My brother who doesn't practice  asked me 'Why can't women be priests" I know the tradition thing he said but what else?
My sister wanted to know about the roles of males and females. She says you never hear about it from the pulpit. True. She asked me questions about whether it was alright according to the Church for say; men to stay at home and look after the children whilst the mother went to work, etc she wanted the Church's view on these sorts of issues. I'm afraid I didn't know if there was a position. I stumbled out about maintaining your femininity and masculinity and how this doesn't necessarily mean that you had to hold traditional roles it was how you did things not what you did it. but as she wanted the Church's position not my jumbled thoughts well what should I have answered?
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Erin
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Joann in AL
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For the teaching on what the Church thinks of women, one should read On the Dignity of Women
For the roles of men and women with regard to marriage especially, one should read Familiaris Consortio
These may also help with understanding the reasoning behind the Tradition of an all-male priesthood.
Joann
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alicegunther
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KC, would you forgive me if I start with Erin's questions? I happen to have the Apostolic Letter, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (John Paul II to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men Alone) on hand!
Erin wrote:
| My brother who doesn't practice asked me 'Why can't women be priests" I know the tradition thing he said but what else? |
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Erin, the reasons are set forth beautifully and briefly in the Apostolic Letter I linked above. Here's my summary of Pope John Paul II's reasoning:
1. From the earliest days of the church, priestly ordination has been reserved to men alone;
2. The Church does not consider herself authorized to ordain women. (I would explain this by comparing it to the Church not being authorized to allow the consecration of chocolate cake for Communion);
3. Christ's way of acting did not come from social or cultural motives--if He had wanted to ordain women, he would have stepped outside cultural norms;
4. Christ chose those whom He willed, in union with the Father and through the power of the Holy Spirit;
5. The fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself was not called to the priesthood shows that this does not mean women are of lesser dignity than men, nor is it a discrimination against women;
6. The Pope concludes by ending all debate on the matter:
"Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren (cf. Lk 22:32) I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful."
Needless to say, this is just my very, very rough summary. The original document is short and well worth reading.
Erin wrote:
My sister wanted to know about the roles of males and females. She says you never hear about it from the pulpit. True. She asked me questions about whether it was alright according to the Church for say; men to stay at home and look after the children whilst the mother went to work, etc she wanted the Church's view on these sorts of issues. I'm afraid I didn't know if there was a position. I stumbled out about maintaining your femininity and masculinity and how this doesn't necessarily mean that you had to hold traditional roles it was how you did things not what you did it. but as she wanted the Church's position not my jumbled thoughts well what should I have answered?
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Joanne wrote:
For the teaching on what the Church thinks of women, one should read On the Dignity of Women
For the roles of men and women with regard to marriage especially, one should read Familiaris Consortio |
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Thank you for referencing those two perfect sources Joanne! BTW, this is an interesting question, and I think it might make for a good thread on its own, Erin, if you would like to start one!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
    
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alicegunther wrote:
[This title sounds like the beginning of a Christmas thread, and I suppose we will be discussing a new birth of sorts.]
Many, many of our members are enthusiastic converts, hopeful seekers, or new mothers, deeply interested in the Catholic Faith and the way it is lived in our homes. Now there are many threads and blogs out there with a gold mine of activities and ideas for Living the Liturgical Year, but I was hoping to encourage a discussion of simple aspects of Catholicism, a place to ask small (or maybe not so small) questions. Perhaps the Cradle Catholics on the list might be able to give you insight (without promising to have all the answers) on little things you wonder about.
Now, if your question is a big one, it might warrant its own thread (and if it does, we can easily create one), but please do not hesitate to ask anything on your mind. Things like:
Where do I get holy water?
What is a Scapular?
What is a May Crowning?
Do not worry about the question being too basic.
Or, maybe you do not have a question, but would like a chat about being the Mommy in a Catholic Home--what makes a home a domestic church?
Whether you are new to this or an old hand, let's just talk! |
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Alice, this is such a great idea. You reminded me of something I haven't thought of in years. It was 1989, and Scott and I had been dating for a few months. One weekend he took me home to meet his family. They were the first Catholic family I'd ever really known, and that Sunday was the first time I ever attended a Mass. After Mass, Scott wanted to introduce me to the priest, who had also been his religion teacher in high school. I'd heard lots and lots about Father Bock (he later married us!), and I felt shy about meeting him--the first priest I'd ever seen in person! Scott introduced us, and I automatically put out my hand to shake Father's.
Suddenly movie scenes of people kissing the Pope's ring flashed before my eyes, and I grew confused and nervous--I thought, what if you're not supposed to touch a priest? And I pulled my hand back just as Fr. Bock's hand came forward to shake mine--so it was like I played the old "psych" game where you fake out the other person!
I was so embarrassed!!
Father thought it was a great joke, though, when I explained. And Scott howled, of course.
So, yeah, we converts can wind up with lots of little gaps in our knowledge!
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Lissa
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Lissa
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Joann in AL wrote:
I try to remember to keep holy water on hand all the time. For blessing children, house, cats that are supposed to stay outside, dying houseplants (usually they are too far gone for even holy water, thus proving that there is no magic about it - although the St Rita oil might work )
And I try to remember that before the bottle runs dry, if I just fill it up, the "new" water mixes with the old and it is all blessed then.
I also (try to rememeber to) keep it in a spray bottle. Nothing like a little spritz on the head of a couple of disgruntled siblings to bring astonishment, laughter and a peaceful resolution quickly.
And a tongue-in-cheek answer to Stephanie in Germany, I'd just spritz dh until he stopped rolling his eyes.
I reread this post and hope that it doesn't come across as very irreverent.
There is also a tradition of having candles blessed on Candlemas (Feb 2 - the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord - New Advent Candlemas article ). This is not done everywhere anymore, but one can always ask a priest to bless anything. We use blessed candles for special occasions, we burn them on days when we are having difficulty with our schoolwork, I'd like to try to remember to light them next time we say a novena. Not as something superstitious, but as a reminder of the Light of the World and the source of Light in our lives.
All the sacramentals are meant to remind of the sacraments. So, the thing I would really do, Stephanie, is talk to dh about how Holy Water is supposed to remind of our Baptism, of dying to sin and as a way of reminding us to be humble before the Lord. (Then I'd spritz him with it ) That blessed salt reminds us to be salt of the earth. That the medals we wear remind us of the saints and of our ultimate end and destination, of our membership in the communion of saints and our obligation to pray for and with those who have gone before us.
Keeping in mind what the sacramentals are supposed to lead us back to (the Sacraments) is what keeps them from becoming just some mumbo-jumbo silliness that little old ladies use to intimidate their fallen away families.
Joann |
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Joann, dear, it is such a delight to see you posting here!
__________________
Lissa
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Cay Gibson
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alicegunther wrote:
| I read years ago that Pope John Paul II's mother always kept holy water in a bowl at the entry way to the house. That day, I put out a pretty bowl with holy water and have tried (sporadically at times) to keep it filled and convenient. You do not need anything fancy, and it is a beautiful way to bless and protect your home and family. |
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I'm just now taking a "peek inside the cradle" and since I love looking inside cradles, I don't know how it missed my gaze before.
Alice, do you or anyone else know if holy water has to be kept in a blessed vessel or not? I've only placed holy water in the fonts throughout the house. Never a bowl. But I love the idea. And if you and JPII's mother did it then I'm sure it's okay.
__________________
Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
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alicegunther
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KC, I loved your questions, especially the one on suffering--I started to type something, but feel too tired to do the question justice--hopefully I'll have a moment to write something tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'm sure many other women here will have something to say about them!
Lissa, thanks for reminding me of a story I haven't heard in years. Too funny!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
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alicegunther
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Steph wrote:
In Church, he crosses himself with holy water, and at home he blesses the girls with the sign of the cross on their foreheads regularly. We have old prints of sacred drawings out of ancient prayer books hanging on our walls and several pictures of Pope Benedict XVI.
But if I would mention Holy Water distribution at home, he would roll his eyes impatiently and get very gruff!
How can I convince him that there is no magical superstition behind it?
I really don't know. |
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I became much more responsible about holy water after reading about how John Paul II's mother always kept holy water in a bowl at the front door, and the children would always bless themselves going in and out. I wonder if something like that might touch his heart a bit.
Or, perhaps if your children were to make a holy water font as a craft project, he would fall in love with it and want it by the door!
I liked Theresa's suggestion about prayer--so important!!!
Now I really am going to bed!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
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HeatherNY
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Quote:
Suddenly movie scenes of people kissing the Pope's ring flashed before my eyes, and I grew confused and nervous--I thought, what if you're not supposed to touch a priest? And I pulled my hand back just as Fr. Bock's hand came forward to shake mine--so it was like I played the old "psych" game where you fake out the other person!
I was so embarrassed!! |
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Lissa:
What a great story!!! That is so funny. When I met the priest I think he was taken back by my Protestant enthusiasm. Didn't quite know what to do with this woman who wanted to convert!!!
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Heather
Wife to Len, Mother to 4 here and 3 in heaven
Homeschooling since 1999
Doodle Acres
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Lisbet
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Cay, I've never even considered the vessel having to be blessed too. We keep ours in an old apple juice bottle! I'm interested to hear if there is an answer to that one.
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
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doris
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enjoythejourney wrote:
2. One such as myself who is "seeking" (and protestant). The last mass I attended at Christmas was gorgeous but I was so completely lost. When they did the peace thing (sorry, for my ignorance) I didn't know what to do. I just smiled and the lady in front of me was very gracious. How does one go about identifying themselves as non-catholic but wanting to learn in service? I dont' want to come across as irreverant or worse, blasphemous!
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I can really relate to this. The first few times I went to Mass, I watched the priest closely to see what he was doing and copy him. Trouble was, he'd scratch his head or something and I would be on the verge of copying him
Get a good Missal and follow along. It doesn't take long for it all to come naturally
__________________
Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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enjoythejourney
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Okay, don't faint, but what is a missal? And where does one get it? Is that the thing in the back of the pew??? :)
Lindsey @ enjoythejourney
(who sincerely hopes she can set up a signature soon!)
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doris
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enjoythejourney wrote:
Okay, don't faint, but what is a missal? And where does one get it? Is that the thing in the back of the pew??? :)
Lindsey @ enjoythejourney
(who sincerely hopes she can set up a signature soon!)
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A missal is the prayer book. I'm not fainting, I was there myself 12 years ago!
I just mentioned it because, believe it or not, not all churches have missals at all -- which enrages me -- so I thought you might need to take your own.
For your signature -- to to Settings (top right hand side of the screen) then Edit Profile, then Signature.
Keep the questions coming!
__________________
Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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alicegunther
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In our area, most churches do have missals in the pews. Some also have separate music books.
You can buy your own missal to keep at any Catholic books store, but I recommend a subscription to Magnificat Magazine, a monthly missal with beautiful art, morning prayer, information about saints, and other information.
Lindsey, if you would like me to create your signature for you, I would be happy to do so.
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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alicegunther
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Finally, KC's questions!
KC in TX wrote:
Okay, here are some questions.
What is a collect? |
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There are several "collects" during the Mass, but the term is most often used to describe the prayer just before the readings. It sometimes changes depending on the feast being celebrated. Here is the best explanation I was able to find: New Advent Encyclopedia. Catholic Culture lists some beautiful examples of Collects for specific feast days.
KC in TX wrote:
| When you offer up your suffering to God what exactly does that mean? Can you give me a visual? I am a real visual learner. |
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This is such a huge and important question, it could make a very fruitful and beautiful thread. I will venture to say here that we are able to find meaning and even beauty in suffering if we remember to say in our hearts "I offer this up for you, dear Lord." If life brings us trials and tribulations--and life always does--we are able to give those things as a gift of love to our dear Lord. Even the smallest child who skins her knee can be reminded, "Offer it up" or "Offer it up for the poor souls in purgatory." Our dear Lord sees that we are giving this gift to Him, and He is pleased and moved.
In addition to sufferings offered up as they occur, it is a good and important practice to offer sacrifice voluntarily. For example, if you are praying for a friend, and you decide to give up coffee that day for this intention, it is a small but worthy sacrifice. As mothers, we have opportunities to offer little and not so little sacrifices throughout the day--pushing the toddler on the swing outside when it is the last thing we feel like doing, giving up time on the internet to read to the children, inviting your son's friends over for a playdate, even though it would be much easier to say no.
If I had to give a visual of this off hand I would compare it to a gift. God is all perfect in and of Himself. He does not need anything. What have we to give Him? We have our love and our prayer, to be sure, but we also have our suffering. He accepts from us what we have, just as a father accepts the scribblings of a child. This is what we have, and this is what we give. There is far more depth to it than that, but it is at least the beginning of a partial explanation for the deep mystery of suffering and sacrifice.
KC in TX wrote:
| What is the morning office? Is that like the morning offering? |
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Morning Office is morning prayer. Here is a beautiful example of the Morning Office of the Franciscans of the Divine Compassion:
A Daily Morning Office. (I do not know anything about this group, but found it as a good example.)
__________________
Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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doris
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Oh, Alice, thanks so much from *this* convert for the wonderful explanation of 'offering it up'. I have never heard it explained before!
__________________
Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: A Peek Inside the Cradle
