Editor’s note: “Why Do Catholics Do That?” is a question people who know the Church get a lot — and things that might be obvious to some Catholics are perplexing to others, both “cradle Catholics” and recent converts. As part of our mission to inform and inspire, The Catholic Spirit is launching this new regular column written by Father John Paul Erickson, pastor of Transfiguration in Oakdale. Do you have a question about something Catholics do? Email us at [email protected] with “Why Do Catholics Do That?” in the subject line.

Tabernacle

iStock-jucarran

Why do Catholics bless themselves with holy water when they enter and leave a Church?

Holy water reminds us of the waters of the baptismal font, the place where our existence changed forever. Indeed, it is not too much to say that the day of our baptism is one of the most important days of our earthly lives, if not the single MOST important. We are right to remember this moment! And when we were baptized, we entered the household of faith that is the Church, and we became members of a family. That family is what a church building represents — the community of faith, comprised of living stones. The whole act of entering a church building is meant to remind us of our obligations and our great dignity, which began in the waters of baptism.

Why do Catholic churches have a red lamp by the tabernacle?

The red light that continuously burns within the sanctuary of our Catholic churches reminds all who enter that Jesus is present within the tabernacle in the little form of the consecrated Host. While technically not required to be red, the use of this color is quite fitting as it reminds us of the burning love of Christ, who waits in the tabernacle for our own love and acknowledgment of faith. When a Catholic enters a church and notices a red lamp burning next to the tabernacle, a sign of reverence should be shown, which is generally a genuflection or a profound bow.

Why do some Catholics wear medals with images of saints?

My father to this day keeps a picture of my mother, God rest her soul, in his wallet. It is a reminder to him of her and of her love for him. So too with sacramentals like medals of the saints. They serve as a reminder to the one who wears them of the reality of the saints and of their presence in our lives as Christians. What is more, a medal is an outward sign of our own devotion to these heavenly partners — think of it as sporting our favorite team colors. A huge part of our Catholic faith is the belief in the communion of saints, those men and women who were just like us but choose God above all things. It is right to celebrate them!

Father Erikson is pastor of Transfiguration in Oakdale.