How We Live & Love

Catholics have unique and beautiful traditions for honoring the great moments in life; from birth to death, new drivers' license to new home.  See how to add meaning to your life, the Catholic way! 

 

How We Live and Love -
What Catholics do During Life’s Defining Moments

• Engagement/Marriage                                                                                                              Prayer for Engaged Couples, “The Five Love Languages” book, a framed copy of a Scripture reading from their wedding, family Bible, holy water font
• New baby                                                                                                                                Toddler Bible or prayer book, Guardian Angel crib medal, prayer lamb, crucifix, Family Book of Blessings
• A child begins school or receives the Sacraments of First Communion, First Reconciliation                                                                                                         Children’s Bible, Rosary, Kids Book of Prayer for All Kinds of Things (making friends, handling disappointment, getting along in school), religious jewelry
• A child or adult receives Confirmation:                                                                             medal, statue or framed art depicting their saint or the Holy Spirit/gifts of the Spirit); Bible, journal, rosary, religious jewelry
• A teen gets his/her driver license                                                                                                  Guardian Angel visor clip; prayer card blessing of a new drive
• A teen graduates high school

         Medal representing their home parish, Grad Mass, blessing, rosary

• Making big decisions (choosing a college/vocation/career)

         Ignatian Discernment

• Losing a job*
• Moving to a new home

         Invite a priest over to bless the house.
         St. Joseph statue for intercession on house sale
         Purchase a crucifix and/or holy water font for the home

• Struggles in one's relationship with God

         Recommend a spiritual director – Spiritual Life Center

• Going through a rough time*

            See a priest for a blessing.
            Pray for the intercession of St. Jude, patron of impossible circumstances.                                            (Visit the statue at St. Ann)
            Divine Mercy Chaplet 
            Visit Sacred Heart of Jesus statue outside at St. Ann’s

• Wedding anniversary

            Mass Card

• Sickness*

         Recommend the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
         Write their first name in the Book of the Sick
         Host a prayer service at church, or gather to pray the rosary together at home, at the hospital,             etc.
         For prolonged illness, give the patient “In Time of Illness” and their caregiver “In Time of                    Caregiving”
 

• Death of a loved one*                                                                                                             Attend the Wake and Funeral, dressed appropriately to honor the deceased                          Send a Mass card

* Ask if you can pray for the person.  If not in the moment, promise to pray for them later.

* Host a prayer service at church, or gather to pray the rosary together at home, at the hospital

* Contact Kris in the parish office, to be added to the prayer chain

* Ask for the intercession of the Saint who is the patron of the issue, e.g.: 
St. Peregrin is the patron of cancer sufferers.  Send a saint prayer card.

* Light a votive candle at church and send a photo of it with the message, “I said a prayer for you.”

* Have a Mass said for their “special intention” (keep it anonymous)  (Call/visit the parish office)

* Give them a prayer shawl  (St Ann Prayer Shawl Committee)

* Send a Care Note specific to their concern.  (www.carenotes.com)

*  Collect a Spiritual Bouquet – on paper, or online, have friends contribute encouraging Bible verses, religious music, etc.

*  Give an item that’s been blessed by clergy, like a pocket cross.