Dear Mom,

Thank you for your very timely letter. I would imagine that your question has introduced a topic that many parents begin to struggle with at this time of year. I admire your desire to shield your children from the demonic and overtly evil aspect that Halloween introduces to many. I feel that this is an issue which needs talking over. Let's see if you and I can exchange some thoughts.

I have read many articles which address the customs and traditions surrounding this day which preceded the Feast of All Saints. Traditionally the faithful celebrated with parties before All Saints Day. It was a way to praise the Lord and thank Him for counting relatives, loved ones and others among the Church Triumphant. This was certainly innocent and joyful enough, wasn't it? Gradually as secular beliefs took hold and the real meaning behind the celebration was cast aside, the night before All Saints turned into a senseless night of pranks and trickery.

This is indeed a sorrow. As I read about the holy procession of the relics of saints that proceeded through the villages I was filled with courage. Imagine the witness this must have been for the Body of Christ, in the midst of the trials and tribulations of this world. In the parishes where there were no relics to display, the faithful would costume themselves to represent the saints that had become part of the Lord's Heavenly court. Some persons chose to represent saints whose particular courage or virtue were a witness.

After these processions, there was generally Benediction, much prayer, and a recitation of the Litany of the Saints. Afterwards there would be time for fellowship, food and good cheer. Doesn't this sound wonderful?

As we strive each day to draw closer to the Lord, our hearts and spirits will be led tenderly and gently to become what the Lord would have us be. In so doing we are usually shown where we can make improvements and where we can change altogether. This is the most loving way in which the Lord guides and protects us His "little ones."

It is only natural that as a parent and one who is striving to do the will of the Father, you begin to see problems with the paganization of formally holy days dedicated to worship and praise. How can we as parents resolve this issue within our families without appearing to judge harshly those persons who continue with practices that we find not suitable? It may be that a family discussion is in order. I would suggest that you read articles and do research about the true meaning of Halloween and present this to your family. Compromise and try very hard to practice the day, staying as close to the true meaning as possible.

In my family, my younger children dress in costumes which depict saints or funny characters. They go to the homes of the elderly people in our neighborhood. It is a real treat for these people to see the children. They always wait for us to come and have special treats and the like for the children. Certainly we celebrate with prayers for our loved ones who have gone to their reward and invoke the prayers of the saints. The celebration of the Mass the next day is a joyful reminder of our future home in Heaven with the Church Triumphant. We start the Halloween festivities and visiting early in the evening and try to finish before darkness. We have a short list of 6 or 7 homes that we visit. I always take a jar of fruit conserves or small loaf of bread as a gift. The children usually get restless because I spend too much time talking to my neighbors. :) This is the last chance to visit before winter's bitter cold chases us indoors.

As far as the pumpkin carving, we have always loved this art form. It is easy enough to carve a design that is spiritual and has deeper meaning. The children seem to enjoy the challenge and participate with happiness. I do not know exactly from where this tradition came. When the pumpkin is lit we praise the Lord and thank Him for He is the only Light that can fill the darkness. Some years however, we have opted to not carve a pumpkin and instead make a display for the front porch of gourds, leaves, pumpkins and corn stalks. To greet those children that come to our door, we usually build a small campfire in our side yard and invite our guests to participate with us in roasting marshmallows and making smores.

Let me add that there is plenty of material out there that strikes down the practice of Halloween and exposes it to be a merely pagan holiday, that no Christian parent would be a part of. I think we must be very careful of what we read and to whom it is directed. It is a blessing that we are Catholic and are able to incorporate the holiness of celebrations for reasons that are spiritual and based in our beliefs.

Remember that children will not know the evil unless we introduce it to them. As a mother I do not like to point out the evil to my children, choosing instead to celebrate the holy and true. I firmly believe that children would rather participate in something that is joyful and full of fun and will shun the evil because it is dark and not pleasing.

Dear Lord, You are the Light that dispels all darkness. We ask Your guidance as parents. Show us the way to approach Halloween. Inspire us to keep the true meaning of this occasion so that we may better witness to our children. Help us each and every minute of our lives to prepare to be counted among the Church Triumphant. We love You, Lord, and long to do Your will. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn