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alicegunther
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[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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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
      
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Meredith
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Oh Alice, what a beautiful post to start chatting about our incredible faith. What a blessing this will be for ALL of us, cradle or not!! Thank you for your thoughtful beginning to a wonderful new part of 4Real!!
Many blessings on those who visit here 
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Meredith
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benedicta
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What a great idea!
Though I am a cradle Catholic, I have no idea how to get holy water, other than through catalogues in tiny bottles (very $$)
Please tell me how!
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alicegunther
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Benedicta and Meredith, good to hear from you both!
Benedicta, most churches actually have a fountain the back with free holy water available. I always try to remember to bring a clean bottle with me to Mass when I am running out. (Even an empty Poland Spring bottle with the label removed would work--my mother used to put a gold foil cross on plain water bottles to make them suitable for Holy Water).
If we ever have a priest to our home, I usually fill a container with water and ask him to bless it to save transporting home from Church. One priest friend even blessed our pool, so I consider it to be full of holy water!
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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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Courtney
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Alice, this is wonderful! I feel so inept and ignorant at times. I went through the RCIA classes in 1993 and many of my questions my dh couldn't answer. I can't begin to tell you all how much I've learned on this forum. I'm sure I'll be back with many questions!
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Courtney in Texas
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Mom to Candace 10/97,Christopher 4/00 and Connor 11/11
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MichelleW
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I know HOW to get holy water, but what do you use it for? My grandparents always kept some in their house, but they never opened the bottles. What do YOU use it for?
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Michelle
Mom to 3 (dd 14, ds 15, and ds 16)
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Lisbet
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Michelle, EVERYTHING! Bless yourself and your children, morning noon and night. Sprinkle your entrances with it once in awhile. (I do this while reciting the St. Michael Prayer) Your vehicles also, anytime you pray it is suitable. We have fonts at our front door and top of our stairs to help us bless ourselves coming and going...etc...
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mariB
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Do any of you have a Holy Water font in your houses? I've been wanting to get one ever since a Catholic bookstore opened in our small town! And that (the opening of the store) is another blessing. When ever I run out of spiritual reading I zip there in 5 minutes. God has been so good!
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marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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mariB
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Oops! Lisa and I must have been posting at the same time! What a beautiful thing to have the holy water at your disposal day and night!
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marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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Erin
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benedicta wrote:
I have no idea how to get holy water, other than through catalogues in tiny bottles (very $$)
Please tell me how! |
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Benedicta
In all the parishes I have ever belonged it is up the back of the church in a big vat type bucket with a tap on the bottom. Although the parish we are in now Father has it in a room that he can lock after Mass  guess we have to be realistic this days against abuses. I just take in my jar and fill it when needed. Ask your priest.
I use it to bless my dc with also, particularly if they have been having bad dreams or trouble to get to sleep it helps. I have been thinking I should bless them before they go out into the bush to protect them against snakes. Must get my holy water fonts up in this house.
There is a passage in the bible about 'the breastplate of armour etc' to pray over our children to protect them. I have friends who pray this as their children leave the home, I was thinking of getting in the habit of this and adding in the holy water. Dh could do with protection also as he is on the highway travelling everyday.
Wouldn't selling holy water by like symony?
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Erin
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humanaevitae
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alicegunther wrote:
Where do I get holy water?
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I have also had priests bless salt which they then told me I could add to water and have holy water. That makes it easy to transport and store.
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Nicole-Zane 10, Elizabeth 7, Xavier 4, and John Patrick 2
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JennGM
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alicegunther wrote:
Benedicta, most churches actually have a fountain the back with free holy water available. I always try to remember to bring a clean bottle with me to Mass when I am running out. (Even an empty Poland Spring bottle with the label removed would work--my mother used to put a gold foil cross on plain water bottles to make them suitable for Holy Water).
If we ever have a priest to our home, I usually fill a container with water and ask him to bless it to save transporting home from Church. One priest friend even blessed our pool, so I consider it to be full of holy water! |
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Which reminds me of what happened this Epiphany when Father came over. He forgot to bring his holy water sprinkler (has a name I forget). I couldn't remember where my holy water was...and there was a few minutes of panic -- there's no holy water. Then we all laughed. Of course, we could ask Father to bless a new batch of holy water.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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enjoythejourney
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This is great! I have like, 100 questions. I'll start small...
1. I've visted some of your blogs and have been inspired by your family altars..not sure if this is the correct word but the lovely candles, statues, holy cards and things you have set up to remind you of certain Holy Days or rememberances. This is a beautiful thought. How would one start this? Starting small, is my guess...maybe with my mantle?
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! I actually have been taping mass on tv to get a better feel for it. So far, I've only been a few times and I've picked Saturday night service so I can blend in a little better (seems more laid back?) and then I can also attend my church on Sunday as we're really seeking thru this journey.
I'll have more questions I'm sure. But there are 2 for you seasoned gals! :)
Lindsey @ enjoythejourney
http://justenjoythejourney.blogspot.com
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onemoretracy
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Hey Lindsey!
1. We don't have an altar or anything yet, I am eyeing a bookshelf where I had my snow village set up from Christmas (yes, I am just now putting it away! ) I am planning to get a pillar candle and a cross. I am thinking of maybe just setting up a picture in a frame next to those that is representaive of the Liturgical time of year. I think that is a simple enough start for me.
2. For the peace you just shake hands with people around you and say "Peace be with you" or you can nod and smile, whatever! As far as identifying yourself as not being Catholic I don't think there is any need to. In our diocese you can even go through the communiion line and just cross your arms over your chest and recieve a blessing from the priest or Eucharistic Minister. I do this if I feel I need to get to confession and my children who have not recieved their First Holy Communion do this too. Or you could just stay in your seat/kneeler.
Maybe the more seasoned ladies have more insights! I for one am looking fwd to hearing them.
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Tracy
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alicegunther
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Great answers, Tracy and everyone! I am so enjoying this thread!
enjoythejourney wrote:
| 1. I've visted some of your blogs and have been inspired by your family altars..not sure if this is the correct word but the lovely candles, statues, holy cards and things you have set up to remind you of certain Holy Days or rememberances. This is a beautiful thought. How would one start this? Starting small, is my guess...maybe with my mantle? |
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Hi Lindsey!
Yes, a mantle is an excellent place to start. It makes so much sense because the mantle needs to be decorated anyway, and it keeps very small children from breaking anything or reaching the candles. Our mantle has a beautiful religious painting and candles. Sometimes, I add a statue or change the decorations for the season.
Many people have a special altar set up at all times. We haven't followed through on this yet, but we do set up a special Marian Altar during the month of May. Our "altar" is a folding table with a beautiful white table cloth, a statue, and two fat pillar candles. The girls keep it tended with fresh flowers from the garden, adding craft projects along the way. There is something very nice about having it out only for the month. We all anticipate the May altar with gladness--it is the springtime equivalent to a Christmas tree in our hearts.
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! I actually have been taping mass on tv to get a better feel for it. So far, I've only been a few times and I've picked Saturday night service so I can blend in a little better (seems more laid back?) and then I can also attend my church on Sunday as we're really seeking thru this journey. |
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We recently attended a Bar Mitzvah, and at first I felt as if we stood out like a sore thumb. I was truly nervous and worried that I would do something wrong. The cantor came over and wished us a "Happy Shabot," and all I could do was smile at him with a bright "Thank you"--I had no idea what was expected. Some of the men were wearing beautiful prayer shawls, and of course dh did not have one. I looked around fearing we might be doing something irreverent.
But, the people were so warm and welcoming, absolutely falling all over our baby and just loving her. Honestly, I do not think a single person there missed her! By the end of the event, I realized that, although it was obvious we were not Jewish, the people were glad to see us there and wanted us to feel at home.
I think this is exactly the way Catholics feel about people who are seeking or just starting out or visiting. First of all, most likely I would not even notice if someone only smiled at me, but did not know exactly what was expected during the sign of peace. A smile is worth a thousand words! Also, if I did notice (and this, I repeat, is highly doubtful), I would just be glad the person was kind enough to come and would not consider it irreverent if the person was not following along with everything exactly.
You know what would be a good idea? It would be wonderful if you had a Catholic friend who could attend Mass with you and show you the ropes a bit! Would that I could be there to volunteer! : )
Bottom line though, Lindsey--I know for a fact that you could never come across as irreverent. I am sure the gracious lady in front of you perceived you as equally gracious in every way!
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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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One more thing about holy water:
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.
Holy water fonts also make a great craft project . . . but that's another thread! : )
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
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Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Bridget
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JennGM wrote:
Which reminds me of what happened this Epiphany when Father came over. He forgot to bring his holy water sprinkler (has a name I forget). |
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My altar boy says it's an aspergillum.
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God Bless,
Bridget, happily married to Kevin, mom to 8 on earth and a small army in heaven
Our Magnum Opus
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Mrs.K
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Alice, you always have the best ideas! No wonder they call you Alice the Best!
We also keep holy water in the cars as you never know when you might need it. Actually I also have a bottle in my diaper bag, so it's always with me. My 3 yo loves to bless the baby with it quite often.
We are currently out of the habit but this thread is reminding me we should get back in the habit - it is nice if Dad blesses everyone at night (mom included) with holy water before they go to sleep. We also use holy water if anyone is sick or gets hurt.
Erin, I think that when they sell bottles of holy water you are actually paying for the bottle, not the water.
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Mrs.K
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aussieannie
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We ought to add blessed salt and holy oils to this list too! We rely on them both - here is a link about blessed salt we use it for cooking and have unfortunately had to sprinkle a little over the next door neighbour's house due to problems that greatly concerned us, needless to say, what we thought was the impossible, happened and quickly - they left!
Holy oils....I use the oil from The Holy House of Loreto, a powerful sacramental from the home where Our Lady was Immaculately Conceived, the Incarnation took place and the Blessed Family dwelt....is there are more blessed place in the universe?
We bless the children every night with this oil of Our Lady and I bless my thyroid with it, here is the link to where it can be bought in the US (I import it from there) at Catholic Sacramentals - also from the same place I buy the St Philomena oil for her shrine in Italy, here is her page This particular site has many other beautiful Catholic sacramentals, we have also bought dried grape leaves, from the same tree that St Rita brought to life by watering the dead stick for a year!
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hylabrook1
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Bridget -
I love the word "aspergillum"; it sounds like something that ought to grow in your garden ... some frothy, low-growing flower.
Peace,
Nancy
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: A Peek Inside the Cradle
