Wayne
wrote:
|
|
Hi guys,
- Can I remove Holy water from the Church?
- If so, can I, as a lay person, bless an object with it?
Thanks,
Wayne
|
| {
Can I remove Holy water from the Church and, if so, as a lay person, can I bless an object with it? }
|
|
Bob replied:
|
Wayne,
It is usually permissible for lay people to take Holy water. Many churches have dispensers
where you can fill your own container quite easily.
It used to be a common custom for Catholics to bring home Holy water and, in addition to blessing
their children, keep fonts
near their doors to bless themselves as go to and from work, etc.
By all means, help yourself.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
|
Mike replied:
|
Hi Wayne,
My colleague Bob said:
It used to be a common custom for Catholics to bring home Holy water and, in addition to blessing
their children, keep fonts
near their doors to bless themselves as go to and from work, etc.
Well Bob, it's still a common custom in many Catholic households. I usually have
at least ten bottles of holy water.
The big ones are for the font to
the entrance of my apartment and the small ones are to hand out to people
as a kind gesture and as a reminder for them to be holy.
You said:
- If so, can I, as a lay person, bless an object with it?
Sure! It goes with the priestly obligations you received at Baptism. Though it's not taught much from the pulpit, all baptized Christians are part of a universal priesthood in Jesus Christ.
Yes, women too! Though this is different than the sacramental or ministerial priesthood, it should still be acknowledged and preached from the house tops. (Matthew 10:27)
CCC 1546 The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet, and king.
This means to:
- pray, and
- offer all our:
- prayers
- works
- joys, and
- sufferings
up to Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
Mike
|
|
|
